SHILLONG: With just a day left for the filing of nomination, sitting Rajya Sabha member Wansuk Syiem looks all set to make it to the Upper House unopposed.
The Opposition is yet to decide on a candidate and there is a likelihood that might not field one. In such a scenario, Syiem would be elected unopposed.
“With the blessing of the party leaders and supporters I am confident that this time I would be elected unopposed. I am very grateful to the AICC chief Sonia Gandhi for selecting and nominating my name again,” Syiem said after filling her nomination here on Monday.
Accompanied by former chief minister and MPCC president DD Lapang, AICC secretary (in-charge Meghalaya) Vijaya Lakshmi Sadho, state Social Welfare minister Deborah Marak and party supporters, Syiem filed her nomination papers before the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly secretary, H Mylliemngap.
Syiem was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha on April 11 last in a by-election held to fill up the vacancy caused by the resignation of the then Upper House member Thomas A. Sangma, who unsuccessfully contested the 2013 Assembly elections on an NPP ticket.
Syiem told reporters that even though her last tenure as Rajya Sabha member was only for 10 months she tried her level best to serve the people and the state during the period.
Stating that it was a learning year, the senior Congress leader said, “If I am elected, my goal will be (to look after the)welfare of the people and development of my state,” the sitting Rajya Sabha member said.
Tuesday (January 28) is the last date for filing nomination and the papers would be scrutinised the following day while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is on Friday. In the present Assembly, the Congress has 29 legislators, including the Speaker, while the Dr Mukul Sangma-led government has the backing of two NCP legislators, 11 Independents and one legislator belonging to the North East Social Democratic Party (NESDP).
The Opposition UDP has eight legislators, the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) has four legislators, National People’s Party (NPP) has two besides two Independents and one MLA from the Garo National Council (GNC).
