Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who is also the president of the National People’s Party (NPP), personally visited the villages of Maikhuli and Umpher in Jirang constituency yesterday to seek support for the party’s MDC candidate, Sosthenes Sohtun.
Addressing the gatherings held at Maikhuli and Umpher, Sangma expressed confidence that Sosthenes Sohtun, the MLA of Jirang and the MDC candidate, would win. He stated that the people have witnessed his character and the work he has done. As an MLA, he has brought significant developmental initiatives and, if he also becomes MDC, the constituency will undoubtedly continue to prosper, he added.
Sangma further asserted that he has no doubt that the NPP will once again form the executive committee in the KHADC and JHADC.
“Do not misunderstand the stature of Sosthenes Sohtun. He may appear humble, but he possesses a large and generous heart, with a spirit of selflessness and hard work to serve the people of Jirang. Despite numerous challenges over the past six to seven years, he has successfully brought in several development projects because of his leadership and vision. Although much remains to be done, it is evident that, compared to previous MLAs, more developmental projects have reached Jirang under his tenure as MLA,” said Sangma, adding that the constituency has greatly benefited from Sohtun’s leadership.
The NPP had a hiccup in its preparations for the election in Jirang after sitting MDC Victor Rani defected to the Congress Party in December as he expected to be passed over by the NPP in favour of another candidate. His departure resulted in three individuals vying for the NPP ticket, namely Albertus Lapang, Kitbok Khongiong and Balawan Syiemiong. However, due to time constraints, the party unanimously decided to field Sohtun, who has name recognition and a loyal following.
