BJP announces its first list for Meghalaya polls

SHILLONG, FEB 2: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today announced its first list of 45 candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls, slated to be held on February 27.

The list approved by the party’s central election committee (CEC) on Friday consist the names of ten former legislators, who were earlier with different political parties including from the ruling Congress party.

These are AL Hek from Pynthorumkhrah, Sanbor Shullai – South Shillong, Robinus Syngkon – Mookaiaw, Justine Dkhar – Khliehriat, Draison Kharshiing – Nartiang, RL Tariang – Amlarem, JA Lyngdoh – North Shillong, Dr Phlour W Khongjee – Sohra, John Manner Marak – Bajengdoba and Billykid Sangma – South Tura.

However, the BJP so far is fielding only two women candidates – party’s state mahila chief Pelcy Snaitang from Ranikor and Mariang Maring from Nongpoh– unlike the ruling Congress which has announced six women candidates.

The list also includes two sitting members of autonomous district councils (ADCs) – KHADC executive member Neil Antonio War from East Shillong and JHADC MDC Marki Mulieh from Jowai.

Former JHADC’s chief executive member Hambertus Nongtdu was also allotted party ticket for contesting from Sutnga-Saipung.

Dilash Marak, a former chairman of the disbanded Garo militant outfit – Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) – will also be contesting on a BJP ticket from Dadenggre constituency.

While the BJP is fielding candidates from all the 7 seats in Jaintia Hills region, the party however is yet to declare names of candidates from 9 out 29 seats in Khasi Hills region and 6 of 24 seats in Garo Hills region.

Asked, BJP state leader David Kharsati said that the party will also come up with the second list of candidates shortly.

“However, I cannot say how many more candidates we will announce from the remaining 15 seats,” he said.

The other candidates include Lakhon Biam – Raliang, Badhok Nongmalieh – Jirang, Michael Kharsyntiew – Umsning, Torry T Kharsati – Mawryngkneng, BJP youth president Egenstar Kurkalang – Nongkrem, Earnest Mawrie – Nongthymmai, Khrawkupar Jyrwa – Mawsynram, Jrop Sing Nongkhlaw – Shella, Banteilang Rumnong – Pynursla, KM Syiemlieh – Mairang, Arful Kharbani – Nongstoin, Sumis R Marak – Rambrai Jyrngam, Pitosh R Sangma – Mawshynrut and Polangding Sohphoh – Mawkyrwat.

In Garo Hills, the candidates include Synal M Sangma – Kharkutta, Digros D Shira from Mendipathar, Hearsing D Shira – Resubelpara, Thomas Marak – Songsak, Rikman Momin – Rongjeng, Santosh Marak – Williamnagar, Jonathan Rabha – Raksamgre, Dr KC Boro – Tikrikilla, Binoy Ghosh – Phulbari, Sofior Rahman – Rajabala, Pramod Koch – Selsella, Bokul Hajong – Ampati, Premananda Koch – Mahendraganj, Bhupendra Hajong – Salmanpara and Kurosh Marak – Dalu.

Full List of candidate

By Our Reporter