By Ibankyntiew Mawrie
As the fight for the top slot in the State’s largest constituency gathered momentum with allegations and counter allegations being leveled at the common platform held in Mawlai recently, the constituency seems to be heading for a triangular tussle among Congress’ Founder S Cajee, UDP’s Embhahlang Syiemlieh and Independent candidate Teiborlang Pathaw.
From the initially expected head on contest between Cajee and Syiemlieh, the emerging trend shows Pathaw making some inroads in the constituency.
KHNAM candidate Pyndapborthiaw Saiborne seems to be lagging behind in the poll race.
According to a survey, it was found that the votes from various localities in Mawlai which should go to either Syiemlieh or Cajee are being divided to an extent with the entry of Pathaw who is emerging as a noticeable contender in areas like Mawdatbaki, Iewrynghep, Mawiong and Mawroh.
The supporters of Pathaw, mostly youth who benefitted through his security agency, are backing him to make it big in the February 23 polls.
It has been learnt that Mawroh, which was once a stronghold of former UDP leader and MLA, PT Sawkmie, has now, to a large extent, shifted allegiance to Pathaw.
The UDP candidate therefore could face a tough time garnering votes from the area where Pathaw seems to be successfully splitting Syiemlieh’s share.
Similarly, the votes from Iewrynghep and Mawiong which were strongholds of FS Cajee face an almost similar threat.
Pathaw who was allegedly fielded to act as a dummy candidate for Cajee is ironically making things difficult for the Congressman too.
Meanwhile, in what could mean further trouble for the sitting legislator, areas like Mawlai Nongpdeng, a locality which to some extent decided Cajee’s victory in the 2008 elections, are now rallying behind the UDP.
However, Cajee remains strong in Mawlai Phudmuri, Nongkwar and Mawsiatkhnam areas besides others and despite all the odds pitted against him, Cajee’s winability chances still remain high.
The Congress candidate is also supported by UDP leader and former MLA SD Khongwir.
As per reports, Khongwir who was Mawlai MLA for almost 25 years has shifted allegiance to the Congress since 2008 and the same led to the defeat of PT Sawkmie in the last elections.
On the other hand, UDP candidate Syiemlieh, who is posing a direct threat to Cajee is gaining support in areas like Nongpdeng, Umjaiur, Salaikariah and Nonglum.
His chances of victory can be attributed to the service he offered to the people as an MDC. That Syiemlieh is viewed as the successor of Sawkmie, also adds to his advantage.
As per the survey, it has been learnt that some of the die-hard supporters of the UDP and PT Sawkmie in particular are supporting Syiemlieh while others have shifted their support to Pathaw in the absence of Sawkmie, who is now contesting from Pynthorumkhrah as an Independent candidate. It may be mentioned that Sawkmie’s legacy ceased to die in Mawlai which, to an extent, is still ruing his defeat to Cajee by over 3000 votes in 2008. It is believed that the former MLA’s chances would have been bright had he contested from the constituency this time round.
On the whole, Mawlai will witness an interesting fight mainly between Cajee and Syiemlieh in most localities.