TURA, June 30 � The Indian National Congress today managed to prize out the Chokpot seat in the just concluded by-polls for the seat, following the demise of GNC legislator Clifford Marak. The win by Congress candidate Bluebell R Sangma by a margin of 2,550 votes brings to an end the 20-year wait for the Congress in Chokpot.
The win in Chokpot brings the total number of MLAs from the Congress in the Assembly to 30, which includes 5 women.
Bluebell R Sangma (widow of Masonsing Sangma) secured a total of 8,042 votes to beat her rival from the National People�s Party (NPP) candidate Phillipole Marak, who had a total of 5,492 votes. GNC candidate and widow of Clifford Marak, Kalpana Marak emerged third with 5,009 votes, while independent candidate Thinkerwin Marak secured 1,189 votes.
The run up to the polls saw extensive campaigning by all parties involved with the focus mainly on development. The Chokpot region suffers from complete underdevelopment, something that the Congress was able to play with as most of the legislators had been members of the Opposition.
�I thank the people of Chokpot for giving me their mandate and I assure to look into the issues of the people of the area. I will work for peace and development,� said Bluebell from Baghmara, SGH.
She further thanked the Chief Minister along with other Congress party workers for their support in the run up to the elections. �It is their constant support and motivation that has led me to win this election,� she added.
MPYC president Richard Marak congratulated her as well as the people of Chokpot for what he felt was the choice of development. �The people wanted change. The victory is Chokpot�s victory,� he said.
