Shillong, Aug 18: With only three days left for the campaign, the ruling NPP has intensified its campaign for the bye elections to Ranikor constituency with party leaders touring the length and breadth of the constituency to woo voters to vote for its candidate, Martin M. Danggo.

The bye elections to Ranikor constituency and South Tura constituency will be held on August 23, and the campaign will end 48 hours prior to the polling at 4 pm on August 21.

On Saturday, the NPP organised a meeting at Nongnah in South West Khasi Hills district where Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and other party leaders and workers addressed the election rally to drum up support for Danggo.

The rally at Nongnah was attended by Minister for Industries and Commerce, Sniawbhalang Dhar, MDC of Sohryngkham, Pyniaid S. Syiem, NPP District President Kitborlang Nongrem along with former MLA of Sutnga Saipung, Hopeful Bamon and ex-MLA of Amlarem, Stephenson Mukhim.

Tynsong urged the people to embrace development and not to allow negative, petty and communal considerations to influence them.

Recalling history of the hill state movement, Tynsong said that all tribal people, irrespective of ethnicity, came together to fight for the creation of Meghalaya and the state was born because people from the region came together to fight for a common cause.

“The people of the region should be open-minded and progressive then only can all-round development will take place in the region,” Tynsong said while also talking about the potential of tourism in the area.

“Tourism is a vehicle that can generate employment and improve livelihood of the people and South West Khasi district also has huge potential in tourism. With the construction of many new roads through schemes brought about by the MDA government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, Ranikor can become a tourist hub in the near future,” Tynsong said.

He cited the example of Mawlynnong where tourism has brought about many positive changes to the livelihood of the people of the area.

On Friday, the Deputy Chief Minister along with NPP candidate, Martin M. Danggo campaigned at Rangthong village and urged the people to give their mandate in favour of the NPP.

Addressing the rally, Tynsong said that it has always been the policy of the NPP under the leadership of Conrad not to indulge in mudslinging or negative campaign during elections.

“The party stands for positivity and fairness, and it fights elections based on principles and issues that concern the common people,” Tynsong said.

Talking about agenda of the NPP under the leadership of Conrad, Tynsong said that various projects are already on the anvil to further improve infrastructure and livelihood of the people of the region which includes SARDP road projects and re-opening of border haats