SHILLONG: The Nongkrem unit of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has recommended the name of former KHADC CEM, HS Shylla as its candidate for the by-election to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council as and when it is held.
UDP leader Hamlet Dohling informed that Shylla’s name has been forwarded to the state election committee of the party which will take a final call on the matter.
Shylla, a two-time MLA and MDC, first contested from the UDP but later joined the Congress. He joined the regional party again a few months back.
Shylla, who had officially distanced himself from active politics after two consecutive defeats in two state Assembly elections in 2009 and 2013, said that unresolved issues concerning people had prompted him to make a comeback.
“A large number of people attended a public meeting at Polo Ground last year on the headman row and many people requested me to come
Reacting to a query on whether he would contest the 2018 Assembly elections on a UDP ticket, Shylla said that it was too early to comment anything on the matter.
According to Shylla, the by-election to the seven seats of the KHADC is likely to be held in October.
It may be mentioned that seven seats of KHADC fell vacant after several MDCs holding dual posts (MLA and MDC) resigned from their post of MDC following the passing of the Dual Post bill by the State Government.