SHILLONG, JAN 27: The ruling Congress today announced its first list consisting of as many as 57 candidates which include five women for the upcoming Assembly polls, to be held on February 27.
The list which was approved by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Saturday has the names of 22 sitting legislators and also five sitting members of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma will be contesting from two seats – Ampati in South West Garo Hills District (his home constituency) and Songsak in East Garo Hills District, which is presently represented by National People’s Party legislator Nihim D Shira.
Veteran Congress leader and former chief minister Salseng C Marak will contest from Resubepara constituency.
Assembly’s speaker Abu Taher Mondal will also try to retain his seat from Phulbari constituency while former Assembly’s speaker Charles Pyngrope will be contesting from Nongthymmai constituency.
The cabinet ministers – Celestine Lyngdoh, who is also Meghalaya PCC chief, from Umsning, HDR Lyngdoh from Sohiong, Ronnie V Lyngdoh from Mylliem, Martin M Danggo from Ranikor, Clement Marak from Selsella, Zenith Sangma from Rangsakona.
The five women candidates also include two cabinet ministers – Ampareen Lyngdoh from East Shillong and Deborah Marak from Williamnagar, Dikkanchi D Shira, sitting MLA and wife of chief minister from Mahendraganj, Eureka FP Lyngdoh from Mairang and Sadhiarani M Sangma from Gambegre.
The ruling Congress has also fielded candidates in six out of seven constituencies from where the party’s sitting legislators have resigned and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and National People’s Party (NPP) ahead of the polls.
These include two former bureaucrats – Jopthiaw Lyngdoh, who will be contesting against former minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who joined the NPP, from Nartiang constituency in West Jaintia Hills and Himalaya Muktan Shangpliang from Mawsynram, a constituency represented by PN Syiem, who is now the PDF leader.
The others who will be fighting against former party’s legislators are George B Lyngdoh, son of former chief minister EK Mawlong, from Umroi, Wanjop Susngi from Raliang, Carness Sohshang from Mawkyrwat and Dr Jelington Ryndong from Pynursla.
The five sitting MDCs who were allotted with party ticket include two from JHADC Andrew Shullai, who is also the Council’s chief from Jowai, Holando Lamin from Amlarem, and three from KHADC – Process T Sawkmie from Mawlai, Donevan Wanlang – Sohra and Kimfa Sidney Marbaniang – Rambrai Jyrngam.
The other candidates include Nehemayah Yngkan – Mookaiaw, Shitlang Pale – Sutnga-Saipung, Charles Marngar – Mawhati, Mayral Born Syiem – Nongpoh, Witness Sancley – Jriang, David Nongrum – Mawrynkneng, W Humphrey D Syngkon – North Shillong, Mohendro Rapsang – West Shillong, John Filmore Kharshiing – Nongkrem, Kenney Cornelius Khyriem – Mawphlang, Batyngshain Laitmon Ryngnga –Shella, Olet Kharsohnoh – Mawkynrew, Pion Kurbah – Mawthadraishan, Gabriel Wahlang – Nongstoin, Justine G Momin – Mawshynrut, Cherak W Momin – Kharkutta, Marthon Sangma – Mendipathar, Brigady N Marak – Bajengdoba, Sengnam Marak – Rongjeng, Limison D Sangma –Raksamgre, Jimmy D Sangma – Tikrikila, Dr Ajad Zaman –Rajabala, Ismail R Marak –Dadenggre, Noverfield R Marak – North Tura, Grithalson N Arengh –South Tura, Winnerson D Sangma – Salmanpara, Kenethson R Sangma – Dalu, Francis Pondit R Sangma – Rangara Siju, Chokpot – Lazarus Sangma and Sirgan A Sangma – Baghmara.
Meanwhile, the Congress is yet to finalise the names of candidates from the three seats, from where its former legislator and two others are now all probable candidates of the BJP, which is yet to announce its list for the upcoming polls.
These include Pynthorumkhrah, South Shillong and Khliehriat which were earlier represented by AL Hek, Sanbor Shullai and Justine Dkhar respectively.
By Our Reporter
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