Ampati: Miani D. Shira, the Congress nominee for the May 28 Ampati bypoll and daughter of former chief minister Mukul Sangma, was exposed to election management when she was a teenager.

Notwithstanding the advantages that come from being Mukul's daughter, (He was elected from Ampati for six consecutive times), Miani has been crisscrossing the constituency in the gruelling summer heat to interact with those who have a stake in deciding her political career.

She is also the granddaughter of former Meghalaya deputy Speaker Ira Marak while her mother Dikkanchi D. Shira represents neighbouring Mahendraganj.

Miani, 27, told The Telegraph that she starts her day at 8am. She first attends to phone calls and ensures that problems are resolved. Then she meets people coming from all over the constituency before she starts travelling to villages to interact with voters.

Elections are not new to Miani. She is not dependent on her father's legacy as she takes the electoral challenge head on. "I have been exposed to election management since I was a teenager. During the last Assembly polls, I had managed the election at Songsak in East Garo Hills," she said after addressing the gathering at Bolchugre 'B' village, 6km from here, in Meghalaya's South West Garo Hills district. However, she said that while she is trying to give her best, it would be difficult to step into her father's shoes as he had set an "amazing standard".

Her father had contested both Songsak and Ampati in February polls this year, but he chose to relinquish Ampati, necessitating the bypoll.

Miani has been travelling with friends and supporters. Her parents are busy campaigning in other corners of the constituency while party leaders and legislators have also joined the electioneering bandwagon. "I have been campaigning alone since the elections began although I am in touch with my father. I spoke to him today (Wednesday) after a four-day gap. He has taught me very well and that is why I do not need his presence every day," Miani said.

Miani appealed to the people of Bolchugre 'B' to use their "wisdom" in choosing their representative: "At this time, people from outside have been coming to meet you even when they do not know anything about you. There is no point in keeping your faith in them. But I am here to stay."

Asked about "here to stay" and the high profile campaign of chief minister Conrad K. Sangma, Miani said, "The relationship between our family and the people of Ampati has been built on the spirit of love and trust. Now people tell me they will take care of me but that I should take care of them after all this is complete."

As Ampati has a mixed population of Garo, Hajong, Koch and Bengali communities, Miani has been addressing them in Garo and Hindi. She said her father always extended equality and respect to the people.

On being targeted as a "dynast", she said, "I never thought that a time would come when I will have to contest the election even after my father had won from Ampati and Songsak as I have always been in the background. My father never projected me as the candidate. The people came forward seeking my nomination."

She said her father had ensured a lot of development in Ampati. If elected, her focus would be on human resource development and other matters, she added.

In six days, the electorate of Ampati will decide if Miani can step into her father's shoes.