By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: As many as 16 sitting KHADC MDCs are in the fray for the February 23 Assembly election in the State.
All the three women MDCs – Teilinia Thangkhiew from Mylliem, Grace Mary Kharpuri from Shella and Irin Lyngdoh from Mawthadraishan – are contesting as independents.
Thangkhiew would take on two formidable male opponents – Congress candidate Ronnie V Lyngdoh and UDP candidate Hamletson Dohling.
Kharpuri is contesting against former Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy (UDP), Congress candidate Jropsing Nongkhlaw and two independents (Leston Wanswett and K Mechaldo Roy Khyllep).
Irin Lyngdoh is pitted against against Boldness L Nongum (Congress), HB Nongsiej (UDP) and another female candidate Fenela L Nonglait of the HSPDP.
Four MDCs, who are also sitting legislators, would be contesting this election which include Mawsynram candidate Pynshngainlang N Syiem (Congress), HDR Lyngdoh (Congress) from Sohiong, South Shillong candidate and Laban MDC Sanbor Shullai (NCP) and Mawkynrew candidate Remington Pyngrope (UDP).
Syiem, who is also the KHADC CEM, would be taking on DP Iangjuh (NPP), Khraw Kupar Jyrwa (UDP), Tobias R Marak (NCP) and Starfing Jove Langpen Pdahkasiej and Suly Lyngdoh (both independents).
Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh is set for a direct contest against UDP candidate Braston Kharphuli.
Pyngrope, the KHADC Deputy CEM, would fight it out against Martle N Mukhim (MDP), Drosing K Khongjoh (Congress) and Banteidor Lyngdoh (Independent).
Shullai is taking on Manas Chaudhuri (Congress), Edward L Kharwanlang (UDP), Binod Kumar Joshi (Samajwadi Party), Mehboob K Lyngdoh (NPP), Augustine Lakiang (BJP) and Sounder Strong Cajee (Independent).
Meanwhile, sitting MDC from Nongpoh, Dr Celestine Lyngdoh, is the only MDC from Ri-Bhoi who is contesting the ensuing Assembly election from Umsning on a Congress ticket.
Lyngdoh would take on Field Marshall Mawphniang (UDP), Ioannis Lyngdoh Mawlong (NCP) and four independent candidates – Donkupar Sumer, Donlang Sohkhlet, Joberwell Lapang and Lurshai Wahlang.
In West Khasi Hills, altogether three MDCs are contesting the election which include HSPDP candidate from Rambrai-Jyrngam KP Pangniang, UDP candidate from Mawshynrut Fantin Kitbok Ryntathiang and HSPDP candidate from Mawkyrwat Enbin K Raswai.
In East Khasi Hills, altogether five sitting MDCs are in the fray including UDP candidate Embhah Syiemlieh (Mawlai), KHNAM candidate Adelbert Nongrum (Shillong North), Congress candidate Lambor Malngiang (Nongkrem), Congress candidate Kennedy Cornelius Khyriem (Maw-phlang) and UDP candidate Titosstarwell Chyne (Sohra).