State leaders laud Shylla’s ‘regional alliance’ remark

SHILLONG: Political parties in the State are still sceptical about a pre-poll alliance but many have appreciated UDP’s district council member H.S Shylla’s statement that regional entities should come together.
Many in the political fraternity here lauded Shylla’s decision to not contest the 2018 Assembly elections from Nongkrem to facilitate a pre-poll understanding.
UDP working president Bindo Lanong said he “salutes Shylla for taking a bold step and sacrificing his personal interest for the unity of the regional parties”.
Extending his support to Shylla, Lanong said the UDP MDC is making the sacrifice for the sake of removing evils and bringing back transparency and development in the State.
He also supported the idea of Shylla that the chief minister should be from Shillong.
“If more people like HS Shylla come forward, politics will definitely change in Meghalaya,” he said.
Sharing his thoughts, NPP National President Conrad Sangma reiterated that pre-poll alliance is very difficult and it requires sacrifices.
Sangma, while appreciating Shylla’s decision, said such sacrifice for a regional force is a good step.
BJP spokesperson Basu Chakraborty said politics is not about individuals but the party. “That is his (Shylla’s) personal decision and we can’t say anything on his,” Chakraborty said.
The Nongkrem MDC who was vocal against incumbent MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit shocked everyone last week when he announced that he would not contest the 2018 elections from Nongkrem to pave way for the formation of an alliance of regional parties.