In a blow to the Congress, its candidate from Dadenggre constituency Augustine D. Marak today left the party and joined the Trinamool Congress.
Marak was a former MLA of the constituency and had won three times from the seat in 1993, 1998 and 2008. He was also a former minister.
Yesterday, Marak resigned as vice president of Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).
Today, he pulled out of the electoral race and pledged his support to Trinamool Congress candidate Rupa Marak who is contesting against NPP nominee and cabinet minister James Sangma.
Explaining his decision to join the Trinamool Congress, Marak said, “Some reports have come out suggesting that the votes from Dadenggre constituency might get split between Congress and Trinamool Congress and this might benefit the party that is not fit to win.”
“In the light of the present political scenario, it is evident to everyone that the current NPP-led MDA government should go. People from the entire length and breadth of the society are annoyed with the performance of the NPP-led government. This is the reason that prompted me to take this decision today,” he added.
Marak also lambasted MPCC president Vincent Pala for not visiting Garo Hills.
“I am taking Vincent Pala head on for abandoning Garo Hills. Trinamool Congress leaders from Kolkata have visited Garo Hills multiple times but he could not come here from Shillong,” Marak said.