SHILLONG, March 11 - Suspense has built up over which seat former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma would quit, of the two seats he won in Garo Hills.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma is likely to contest the seat which Mukul relinquishes. The CM is a Member of Parliament and would have to be elected within six months.
It�s a matter of great political importance and prestige for both the politicians to win the seat that is eventually relinquished by Mukul. The ex-CM won from Ampati and Songsak.
While Ampati has been a stronghold of Mukul for several terms, Songsak has been snatched from NPP�s Nihim D Shira. Although there are reports that Mukul is going to retain Songsak and quit from Ampati, nothing has been confirmed yet.
The date of the byelection to this seat would probably coincide with the election in Williamnagar seat, which was countermanded following the killing of an NCP candidate during the recently-held election campaigns.
Conrad, on the other hand would tread cautiously. If Mukul quits Ampati then he would have a massive task ahead of him to win one of the Congress� strongest bastions.
Reportedly, Mukul is weighing his options before quitting one seat from where he is likely to field his daughter Miani D Shira. There are also talks of fielding his son-in-law, Daryl WC Momin.
There is another scenario wherein Conrad can contest from Williamnagar seat. But winning that seat won�t come easy as it is being held by Congress leader and former Cabinet Minister Deborah Marak. Moreover, the widow of Jonathone Sangma would also contest.
