Shillong May 18: National People’s Party (NPP) leader, and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday said that during Indira Gandhi’s regime at the Centre, the Congress party was ruling in majority of the states but under Rahul Gandhi and Mukul Sangma, the party has been reduced to only two states.

The NPP national president who campaigned for the bye election to Ampati constituency to drum up support for party candidate, Clement G. Momin, instilled hope in the people that if the NPP candidate is given the mandate, the party would work with renewed energy to recreate Ampati and take forward growth and development projects.

Conrad expressed surprise that Ampati dubbed as a “developed constituency” is still lacking behind in the field of education, health care facilities, and opportunities for farmers and the youth.

Stating that the NPP which is a new party has government in three states including Manipur and Nagaland, Conrad said, “The Congress era is over and people are rejecting the Congress everywhere not just in Meghalaya.”

Conrad addressed three election rallies at Chirinpara, Bandalkona and Kumligaon on Friday and he was accompanied by Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, Thomas Sangma, CEM of GHADC Dipul Marak, Deputy CEM Dolly K. Marak, Bajengdoba MLA Pongseng Marak, Ex-MLA of Songsak constituency and National Secretary of NPP Nihim D. Shira, Siju Rongara MLA Rakkam A. Sangma, Ex-BJP candidate of Ampati Constituency Bakul Hajong, amongst others.

Urging the people to vote for NPP candidate, the Chief Minister enlightened the people to vote for a ruling party, which is committed to bring about development.

“We have faith in the people of Ampati constituency that this time, the people will vote for change. NPP is ruling and Clement G. Momin will have access to the Government and voice out concerns of the people of the constituency,” Conrad said.

He claimed that NPP is a party that works for all communities irrespective of their cultural and religious background and would take everyone in the path of growth and development.

“It is not possible for an MLA from the opposition to bring development,” the Chief Minister said.

He also said that the people of Ampati had reposed faith in Mukul Sangma for 25 years but he failed them and left the constituency.

“He (Mukul) claims that after this by-election, Congress will come to power, which is a distant dream. He (Mukul) is responsible for rift in the Congress and after this election, he has to fight with his own MLAs to retain the position as Leader of Opposition,” he said.

Former MLA of Songsak constituency, Nihim D. Shira, said Mukul failed to create a Government College in Ampati because he is afraid that if education infrastructure and facilities improved, he will face competition from many other educated candidates.

NPP candidate Clement G. Momin cautioned the people not to be afraid of Mukul Sangma, as he is no more in power.

Momin said that Mukul has the habit to threaten the electorates. “During the February election, he (Mukul) threatened the people that if Congress party was not voted, all schemes will be scrapped and people will face lot of difficulties. Today is he no more MLA nor Chief Minister, why should we listen or get scared of him,” Momin told the rally.