SHILLONG, MAR 6: Secretary of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) Manuel Badwar on Friday signaled that former MP and party chief Vincent H. Pala is a likely contender for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha byelection, while stressing that no formal decision has been taken.
“It is a social‑media activity…we as a party have not discussed it at all,” Badwar told reporters, referring to online speculation about him likely to contest the byelection.
“I don’t think it is the right time…we have to give it some time, with all due respect to Dr. Syngkon, who passed away.”
Badwar said the Congress should field someone with parliamentary experience rather than a newcomer, noting only two and a half years remain in the term.
“A new candidate has to acclimatize to Delhi, network, learn the system—that’s extremely difficult in such a short window,” he said.
He linked the choice to two state demands – Inner Line Permit and inclusion of Khasi (and eventually Garo) in the Eighth Schedule.
“These are already in the pipeline. The BJP government will beat around the bush; we need an MP who can brief our hundred‑plus Congress MPs and allies right away,” Badwar said.
“Sooner or later Congress will be back in power in Delhi – and when that happens, we can push this agenda much faster,” he said, while emphasizing that sending a newcomer alone to parliament makes it far harder, it takes time to learn the system, build network, and be effective.
Badwar paid tribute to the late MP, calling the loss “bad luck for the state,” but said Meghalaya’s agenda “has nothing to do with state politics” and must continue.
He added that his view is personal.
“It is immature to say what the party thinks, but my strong point is we need somebody well‑versed, who has been in that line for quite some time. Let the party decide.”
Asked, Badwar said, “I can tell you for sure that when we do have the meeting these kinds of narratives from our side will go very strongly towards the party.”
“Let the party decide who is the best candidate,” he added.
By Our Reporter
