Who will pay him Rs 5,000?
Every candidate who comes to file their nominations at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills District, have come across a person strolling around alone with a polythene bag dangling by his side and his aim to win a seat in the upcoming state elections. He is Brensly Ryntathiang, who claims to be the KHNAM candidate from 34- Mawshynrut AC in West Khasi Hills District. Ryntathiang does the rounds of the DC’s Office with the hope that someone will provide him with Rs 5,000, which is the amount required as a security deposit to contest the polls. In his desperation, Ryntathiang had even approached the Deputy Commissioner for the required funds, but the DC S Kharlyngdoh expressed his helplessness, as giving him the amount would be a violation of the model code of conduct. Distraught, Ryntathiang told The Shillong Times, on Monday, that he had no choice but to approach the candidates from different ACs for the sum. Ryntathiang, however, is confident that he will secure a decent number of votes . In 2003, he had contested from Mawthengkut and secured a hundred votes.
Poll code violation
Ri Bhoi district administration on Monday clamped down on the United Democratic Party (UDP) for an alleged breach of the model code of conduct as 10 of the party’s flags were found flying on vehicles that were escorting party candidates to file their nomination papers at the office of the Deputy Commissioner. Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Akash Deep Singh pulled down the flags and also seized the ignition key of one UDP vehicle that bore no number plate. In this regard, the UDP Youth Wing, Ri Bhoi District, Vice President Rayonald Kharkamni filed a complaint.