From Ronaldstone Syiem
NONGSTOIN: In our present political laws, there is no educational qualification prescribed for a candidate to be elected to any representative body.
Perhaps, this factor was purposefully ignored by the constitution makers because at the time of framing the constitution, India was mainly a country of illiterate people.
In present politics we find that, there are many people who don’t know A, B, C, D can become minister, which curbs the quality of administration.
The scenario has changed. More and more well educated people are coming forward to join the electoral battle. The qualification of the aspiring candidates could draw special attention in the upcoming Assembly elections in Meghalaya particularly in West Khasi Hills.
It would be interesting to note if voters go for the more educated contestants or decide to stick with the experience of seasoned politicians who would decide the political future of the State.
Three of the five female candidates in the West Khasi Hills district are doctorate degree holders.
Eureka Lyngdoh Mawlong, Congress candidate from Mairang AC is a PhD in Physics, Fenela Lyngdoh Nonglait, HSPDP candidate of Mawthadraishan AC is a PhD on Law and Jova Marak, UDP candidate form Rambrai- Jyrngam AC, is a PhD in English.
Dr Advisor Pariong, who is contesting from Nongstoin is an MBBS.
Eureka is a lecturer in Physics at Shankardev College, Shillong while Fenela is the Vice-Chairman of the Meghalaya State Women Laws Commission. Jova Marak is a lecturer in English at NEHU, Tura campus while Dr Pariong, prior to his foray into politics, was a doctor at Nongstoin CHC.
On the other hand, their rivals though do not match them educationally, have vast political experience.
Contesting against Eureka is Metbah Lyngdoh (UDP) who is a matriculate and Fenela’s most formidable rival is Boldness Nongum (INC) who is a graduate. Jova Marak battles against KP Pangniang (HSPDP), who is a BA and Kimfa Marbaniang (IND), who is a B Com. Dr Pariong’s mentor and now rival, Hopingstone Lyngdoh (HSPDP) is a higher secondary pass.
Metbah though a matriculate is the incumbent MLA of Mairang. In the last elections, he defeated Boldness Nongum, a veteran politician from the area and has had several stints as an MLA and MDC.
Boldness was the former MLA of Mairang and MDC of Pariong and is the current President of the District Congress Committee of West Khasi Hills.
KP Pangniang is the incumbent MDC of Rambrai- Jyrngam and has sufficient political experience. He had contested for the MLA and the MDC seats from Mawshynrut AC and had gained considerable votes. With little political experience, Kimfa Marbaniang has a sizeable number of supporters considering he being a first timer.
Hopingstone Lyngdoh needs no introduction in Meghalaya politics. He founded the HSPDP, which he currently heads and is a mentor to several MLAs, MDCs and MPs. However, in an irony of sorts his protégé is contesting against the veteran leader.
There is no doubt that the female candidates in the district far outweigh their male rivals when it comes to education. However, it remains to be seen if the people bank on education or on political experience of the candidates when the State goes to polls on February 23.