Shillong, Jan 29: Congress candidate from West Shillong constituency Mohendro Rapsang on Monday exuded confidence that he would defeat the United Democratic Party legislator Paul Lyngdoh by a margin of over 3,000 votes in the upcoming Assembly polls.

“We will surely win this time by a margin of over 3,000 votes,” Rapsang, who had also unsuccessfully contested in the last 2013 elections, told journalists at  his residence .

 Promising to make West Shillong constituency a “smart constituency”, the businessman-turned politician  assured “financial assistance to underprivileged students, addressing unemployment issues as his top most priorities if elected as  member of the Meghalaya assembly.”

“I am confident to win the elections due to the fact that his supporters are intact. Moreover, the Congress has received a boost in the constituency with the joining of party workers of other political parties including the UDP,” he said.

Rapsang’s strong supporter, Michael Pakyntein said that as per a survey conducted by the party workers, Rapsang has a better chance to win in the upcoming elections.

“Even in the last election, he (Rapsang) lost by a thin margin of only 481 votes. But after a survey being conducted, we are confident to win by a margin of over 3,000 votes against the sitting MLA,” he said.

Pakyntein, who was a once a hardcore supporter of Lyngdoh, also informed that more and more supporters of the UDP and also the BJP from West Shillong constituency will be joining the Congress party in the days to come.

Meanwhile spelling his top priorities, Rapsang said that apart from the party’s manifesto, he would be stressing on issues related to development, education, problem of unemployment, health care and others.

“If I am elected, I assure to make West Shillong a smart constituency,” he said while adding that steps will be taken to ensure certain areas in the constituency are developed as tourist attractions.

Besides setting up of more government schools, Rapsang said, “We will also identify bright students, who could not afford for further education, to provide them with financial assistance.”