By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Congress leadership is in a state of dilemma over the allotment of ticket in Mawthadraishan constituency with two former legislators of the party eyeing the candidature.
The first contender for the ticket is former Congress legislator from Mairang Boldness Nongum while former Congress legislator from Pariong Irin Lyngdoh, who was also a former Minister, is also in the fray.
Nongum, who is the president of West Khasi Hills District Congress Committee, is apparently ahead in the race for the party ticket at present and according to sources, the former Mairang legislator enjoys greater support in terms of number of votes as compared to Lyngdoh.
According to estimates, a total number of 12,300 votes from the 29 polling stations in Mairang constituency are now under Mawthadraishan following the delimitation of the constituency and all these votes are expected to go to Nongum.
On the other hand, a total number of 10,500 votes from the 17 polling stations which was in Pariong constituency is now under the new delimited constituency. However, even if these 10,500 go to the former minister Irin Lyngdoh, Nongum would still have an edge.
However, according to sources the 3000 voters from five polling stations in Nongspung constituency, which now falls under Mawthadraishan, could be game changers here and decide the fate of the candidates aspiring for the party ticket.
“These 3000 votes are neutral”, sources said.
It may be mentioned that Lyngdoh also does not have the support of the All India Mahila Congress (AIMC) secretary in charge of Meghalaya Poonam Rani Wangkhen.Replying to a question on Lyngdoh’s chances of getting party ticket Bhatia said, “It’s not necessary for her to fight the Assembly elections since she is already the MDC and has to finish her term first.” However, only time would tell who the candidate for the constituency would be.