SHILLONG: The State BJP has finally decided to contest the by-election to all the seven vacant seats of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC). The party also announced the names of six candidates who will contest the by-polls on December 13. The party was also critical about the political development involving the Congress and sympathised with KHADC CEM PN Syiem who was vocal against the hurriedly passed dual posts Act.
Speaking to media persons here on Monday, BJP State unit president Shibun Lyngdoh said Hubert Marbaniang will contest the by-election from Laban-Mawprem constituency while Mamiry Nongkhlaw was named the party candidate from Nongkrem.
The party has decided to field Kyntiewborlang Syiemlieh from Nongspung-Sohiong constituency and Councillor Sing Wahlang from Nongkhlaw-Mairang constituency.
According to Shibun, Thandarsing Warjri will try his luck from Pariong-Mawthadraishan constituency while Denester Pariong will contest from Rambrai-Jyrngam constituency.
Shibun said the party is concerned about the threat posed to the continuance of the district councils as some agencies are trying to abolish them.
Slamming the State government for bulldozing KHADC, Shibun said the district councils have not been able to seize the opportunities available through the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution aimed at protecting and preserving tribal and indigenous interests in the State.
The successive governments in Meghalaya have failed to support the true potential of the district councils and instead bullied the councils leading to serious misunderstandings, conflicts and contradictions, the BJP state head said.
On the by-polls, Shibun said parties are indulging in political games where the district councils have become a rehearsing ground for the legislative assembly elections. “The BJP stands on the principle of autonomous status to the councils,” he added.
He also sounded confident of the party’s good showing in the by-polls saying BJP has strengthened itself in the State and now the party is fully prepared to contest the elections. The party will soon bring out a manifesto on its agenda for the ensuing elections.
Asked if the Christian community will vote for a saffron party, Shibun disagreed with the perception saying in a democratic setup, anybody can vote for any political party and that “there is no danger for people of the State if they vote for the BJP”.
“About 70 people among our office bearers are Christians,” he said.
The party also sympathised with suspended Congress leader PN Syiem saying he is following the Constitution in KHADC. “Our doors are open for anyone to come and join but we will not indulge in any dirty political games of poaching people from other parties,” he said.
