Shillong, Apr 17 (Reporter) Campaigning ended on Wednesday evening for the two lok sabha seats, Shillong and Tura, which will go to polls in a single phase on April 19. Voting to the two parliamentary constituencies will begin at 7 am and continue until 5 pm on Friday. Altogether, there are nine candidates – six from Shillong Lok Sabha seat and three from Tura -- who have thrown their hat into the electoral ring. Sitting Congress MP Vincent H. Pala is facing a tough electoral battle against Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh of the National People’s Party (NPP), Robertjune Kharjahrin of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon from the Voice of the People Party (VPP), besides two Independents in Shillong parliamentary seat. In Tura too, sitting NPP MP Agatha Sangma is facing the heat from Congress candidate Saleng Sangma and Zenith Sangma from the Trinamool Congress, besides an Independent candidate. The BJP, a constituent of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, has opted out of the electoral battle in this Christian-majority state and is supporting the NPP’s nominees. "All arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair election. Polling parties have also been asked to reach the polling stations well in advance," State Chief Electoral Officer Dr. B.D.R.Tiwari told UNI. Some of the major political parties held their campaign primarily in their stronghold before the campaign silence period. NPP President and Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma ended the party’s campaign for its Tura candidate, Agatha Sangma at Tura Bazaar. However, during this election not a single star campaigner came to the state for their party candidate. The BJP had no reason to send any of its star campaigners as it did not field any candidate for the two Lok Sabha seats. However, the Congress by not sending any star campaigner was a surprise considering Meghalaya has been a stronghold of the party for several years, especially the Shillong seat. Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh was scheduled to come here, but cancelled his visit at the eleventh hour. Trinamool Congress also circulated a list of its star campaigners that included West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee among others, but none came. The TMC is contesting the Tura Lok Sabha seat and its candidate is former Taxation Minister, Zenith Sangma. The CEO said around 40 companies of the Central Armed Police Force have been deployed in 3512 polling stations around the state and the number of polling personnel, including reserve, is around 20,000. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills has ordered closure of all private and government educational institutions tomorrow for the smooth movement of all polling parties to their respective destinations...////...