Senapati, October 10: Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) president Conrad K. Sangma on Friday said that the party has urged the Election Commission to conduct the long-pending by-election for the 49-Tadubi Assembly Constituency at the earliest.
Sangma made the statement during his maiden visit to Senapati, where he met with representatives of various civil society organizations (CSOs) at the conference hall of the Naga People’s Organization (NPO) in Senapati Bazaar.
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Responding to a query on the vacant seat following the demise of former NPP Manipur president and MLA, late N. Kayisii, Sangma said that the public had anticipated a by-election in accordance with constitutional provisions. However, due to the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, the process could not proceed.
“We have been in touch with the Election Commission, interacting and following up on whether the by-election for Tadubi will be held. Although we have not received any official intimation yet, we will continue to pursue the matter,” Sangma said.
He emphasized that under a democratic system, every constituency must have a representative, adding that “a seat cannot remain vacant beyond six months.” The Meghalaya CM stressed that the absence of an elected representative has hampered the development of Tadubi constituency, leaving the people without proper political leadership to address local and state-level issues.
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“The NPP has urged the Election Commission to hold the by-election so that the people of Tadubi do not continue to suffer. While the final decision lies with the Commission, we will leave no stone unturned to ensure the by-election is conducted soon,” Sangma stated.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Noorul Hassan, NPP Manipur president and MLA of Kshetrigao AC; Janghemlung Panmei, MLA of Tamenglong AC; Nickey Nongkhlaw, National People’s Youth President; and Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze, former MP and the newly inducted National General Secretary of the NPP.
Civil society bodies present included the Naga People’s Organization (NPO), Senapati District Students Association (SDSA), Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA), Karong Senapati Town Committee (KSTC), among others.