SHILLONG, FEB 5: Besides the chief minister Mukul Sangma, former chairman of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) J Dorphang, UDP working president Paul Lyngdoh and former FKJGP leaders Sounder Strong Cajee and Sanbor Shullai were among the 124 candidates who filed their nominations papers for the February 23 Meghalaya Assembly elections on Tuesday.
Other prominent names include former minister and Meghalaya Democratic Party (MDP) president Martle N Mukhim, who is contesting from Mawkynrew, former MLA and and UDP candidate Sing Mulieh from Jowai and UDP candidateRL Tariang from Amlarem.
While Sangma filed his papers as the Congress candidate from the Ampati seat in South West Garo Hills, Lyngdoh is contesting from the new constituency of Shillong West, which was created after delimitation and includes his strongholds of Jaiaw and Lower Mawprem areas. Cajee is seeking to reenter the Assembly as an Independent from Shillong South where he will be locking horns with his former FKJGP mate Shullai, who is contesting as an NCP candidate. They both will be challenged by Congress’ Manas Chaudhuri, who filed his papers on Monday.
Speaking to reporters after filing his papers, the chief minister expressed the confidence that the Congress on its own will be able to form the next government. “I not only think, but I believe and I am confident that for the first time since the first Assembly elections, people of Meghalaya will give a clear mandate to the Congress,” he said.
Despite the Congress not announcing its chief ministerial candidate to avoid infighting before the elections, Sangma is widely expected to head the next government if the party on its own, or in alliance with other parties, comes back to power. Sangma though avoided commenting on the infighting in the Congress.
He, however, said the people will vote for Congress on account of the number of development work done by the party-lead coalition government headed by him. “Our focus is on development. I am an optimist and always maintain that our focus is to address the issue of backwardness and poverty. That is exactly what we have proven by embarking upon new and innovative developmental programmes,” he said.
On Opposition allegations that he has been laying foundation stones for different projects only for the sake of publicity, Sangma quipped: “Is it not important for people to know what the government has sanctioned? The scope for corruption comes in when people do not have information”.
Paul apart, three other UDP candidates, including Ibarilin Kharsati from North Shillong, Predecessor Rumnong from Pynthorumkhrah and Embhah Syiemlieh from Mawlai, filed their papers. Four BJP candidates, including Ehkupar Nongrum from Nongthymmai, Andy Lyngwa from Pynthorumkhrah, Romeo Phira Rani from East Shillong and Fairly Best Kharrngi from Nongkrem, too, filed their papers. While the NPP candidates to file their papers included Philomath Passah from North Shillong, Mehboob K Lyngdoh from South Shillong and D Plaslanding from Mawsynram. HSPDP candidates included Bomlversingh Hynniewta from Mylliem and Skor Jala from Mawphlang constituency. KHNAM candidates included Adelbert Nongrum from North Shillong and Manosha Warjri from Nongthymmai constituency.
Apart from Tariang, four candidates filed their papers from Amlarem constituency, including sitting legislator and Congress candidate, Lahkmen Rymbui and Independent candidates Dunno Nongpluh and Stephanson Mukhim. The four candidates from Raliang constituency are Mihnyngkong Sutnga (NPP), Emboklang Dhar (Independent) Gerald D. Pasi (HSPDP), Konstan Sungoh (UDP) and substitute UDP candidate Biris Pasi.
From 4 Mowkaiaw constituency, those filing their nominations included NPP candidate ECB Bamon and independent candidate, Robinus Syngkon while from Sutnga Saipung constituency UDP candidate, Mongol Sing Tyngkra and independent candidate, Hopeful Bamon filed their papers. The candidates from 6 Khliehriat included Independent Finelyness Bareh, UDP candidate Obil Kyndait, Congress candidate Amos Dkhar, and Independents Bravely Dkhar and Shibun Lyngdoh.
In West Garo hills district, a total of 10 candidates filed their nomination papers, including NCP candidate Rohidas Marak, NPP candidate James Pangsang K Marak, and Independents Sengman R Marak, Ismail R Marak and Somip R Marak from Dadenggre constituency. UDP candidate, Monindra Rabha and two others independent candidates Majendra Rabha and Kapin Ch Boro have filed their papers from Tikrikilla constituency while NPP candidate, Ringnon R Marak and Independent candidate, Edmund K Sangma filed their papers from Raksamgre constituency.
In Ri Bhoi district, the former chairman of HNLC Dorphang filed his nomination papers as Independent from Mawhati seat. The other candidates from the district include NCP candidate R.M Dorphang from Umroi, NCP candidate Ionis Lyngdoh Mawlong from Umsning, NCP candidate CGR Syngkli from Nongpoh and LJP candidate Ionis Lyngdoh Mawlong from Jirang.
In East Garo hills district, only four candidates filed their nomination papers, including two Independents Maettrinson G Momin and Klingtone M Sangma from Rongjeng, UDP candidate Arun N Marak and an Independent Lahit M Sangma from Songsak constituency. (By Our Reporter)
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