Shillong: In a formidable display of strength, sitting MP for the Tura Lok Sabha seat, Agatha Sangma, filed her nomination today amid an overwhelming crowd of supporters and prominent party figures from Garo Hills.
The event witnessed the presence of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong, Power Minister AT Mondal, PHE Minister Marcusie Marak, and MLAs from the region.
Accompanied by her mother, Sarodini K Sangma, and her husband, Dr. Patrick Marak, Agatha became the second candidate to file her nomination after Congress MLA Saleng A Sangma submitted his papers earlier in the day.
She filed her nomination in the presence of the Returning Officer, Jagdish Chelani.
Speaking to the media after filing her nomination, Agatha expressed her commitment to continuing the agenda of development and inclusion initiated by the NDA government. She conveyed confidence in securing a positive outcome for her candidature once again.
Addressing queries regarding the potential impact of the controversial Citizens’ Amendment Act (CAA) on her prospects, Agatha emphasised that she believed it would have minimal impact as the state was effectively exempted from the Act.
“We signed CAA as most of the NE has been exempted from the Act (Sixth Schedule areas). Before the Act, we were in the consultation forum and were informed beforehand that 6th Schedule areas would not be impacted by the new law. We would not have signed on otherwise,” she clarified, dismissing CAA as a non-issue except for opposition uproar.
Regarding developmental initiatives in Garo Hills, Agatha highlighted the visible progress witnessed during her campaigns. She acknowledged the improvements in roads, school infrastructure, and healthcare facilities, attributing them to the present government’s development efforts.
“We signed CAA as most of the NE has been exempted from the Act (Sixth Schedule areas). Before the Act, we were in the consultation forum and were informed beforehand that 6th Schedule areas would not be impacted by the new law. We would not have signed on otherwise,” she said.
On the developmental front for Garo Hills, Agatha said that during her campaigns she has witnessed the development of the region first hand.
“Earlier during our campaigns, we have seen the lack of roads and school infrastructure, hospitals etc, in many places but due to the development initiatives of the present government, there has been transformation for the better,” she said while adding that this was something she wanted to carry on in the coming term if given the mandate again.
She shared the view that the NPP has brought development in the past 6 years and that if she is voted to power, it will only show that the party is being accepted by the people.
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Responding to concerns about minority apprehensions in some states regarding religious persecution, Agatha affirmed their vocal stance against atrocities. She mentioned their active participation in parliamentary discussions and their involvement in addressing such issues through platforms like the Christian MPs forum.
“This is something we have always voiced out against in the Parliament. I am also a part of the Christian MPs forum as a convener. We have discussed these issues and collectively take it up,” she said.
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