By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: While the United Democratic Party (UDP) is clear about putting up sitting Jaiaw MLA Paul Lyngdoh as its candidate for the Shillong West constituency, the Congress leadership is still unsure about whom to field to take on the former student leader.
The Congress leadership is facing a serious problem in selecting the candidate as they are two contenders for the party ticket – one is veteran Congressman while the other belongs to an influential businessman’s family.
Mohindro Rapsang, who represents the Rapsang Groups of Industries, is slowly emerging as the front runner considering his clout over Congress leadership.
However, veteran Congressman Binod Kumar Biswa does not consider himself out of the race since the Shillong West is a general constituency.
“Being a general seat, the ticket should go to person who belongs to the minority community,” Biswa said while speaking to reporters here on Wednesday.
He also said that he should be given the party ticket on the ground he has been associated with party since 1973.
“After a long gap I am contesting election. I had contested in 1978 from Jaiaw and was defeated by former Union Minister PR Kyndiah,” he said.
In 1988, under the leadership of (Late) Capt. William A Sangma, he was offered the party ticket, he said, adding, “But due to the communal tension prevailing then, I declined to accept the offer”.
After 34 years, the veteran Congress member said that he has again taken a call to contest an election.
“I have placed my case before the party leadership,” Biswa said claiming that several senior leaders have given him assurance of their support to help him in getting the ticket.
While on the other hand, Rapsang, who is also the Myntri of Syiem of Mylliem, is still in a spot of bother since the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnongs of Mylliem Syiemship) Act, 2007 prohibits him from contesting an election unless he resigns as the Myntri.
In fact, during the last KHADC budget session a Bill was introduced for amending the existing Act.
However, due the division among the MDCs over the proposed amendment bill, the matter was referred to the select committee.
According to sources, the select committee is expected to submit its report in the upcoming session of the KHADC scheduled in October.