By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Nongkrem constituency in the State is all set to witness a triangular contest in the upcoming Assembly election scheduled for February 23. Three major political parties of the State– Congress, United Democratic Party and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP)-are contesting for the honours in the area.
While the Congress will be represented by Lambor Malngiang, Draison Kharshiing is contesting from the UDP and sitting legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit, who left the UDP, will contest on a HSPDP ticket.
Basaiawmoit claimed that many of his supporters have joined the HSPDP and was hopeful that the people of the constituency would elect him for the second time so that the works initiated by him can be carried out.
The sitting legislator though was not available for comments.
His main rival in the last eletion, Lambor Malngiang maintained that the Congress will try its best to win the seat and the party is eyeing an absolute majority in the State.
According to Malngiang, the focus of the party is to get more assistance from the Central Government. He was also of the view that people of the State are satisfied with the implementation of the schemes by the government.
When asked about his expectations in the election, he said, “Let people decide as they are the best judge.”
On the other hand, the UDP candidate Draison Kharshiing, who was denied a Congress ticket, said that the candidate mattered more than the party to the people.
“I am contesting (the election) at the call of the people,” he said.
According to Kharshiing, 17 out of the 19 presidents of the Congress block committees apart from senior leaders Remington Pyngrope and Bindo M Lanong are supporting his candidature.
“Unemployment is a major issue in Nongkrem. Besides, no developmental activities have taken place so I want to work for the development and needs of the people,” he said.
Other candidates in the fray in the constituency are Fairly Bert Kharngi of the BJP, Loniak Marbaniang of the NPP and Hilarious Pohchen who will contest as an Independent.