‘Open’ battle field for four MLAs in 2018

SHILLONG: Three UDP legislators and one HSPDP member were affected in the seat sharing process of both the parties.
Three sitting UDP MLAs — Remington Pyngrope (Mawkynrew), Titosstarwell Chyne (Sohra) and Brolding Nongsiej (Mawthadraishan) — have been put in the open seat, which means both UDP and HSPDP will contest against each other.
Similarly, HSPDP MLA Witting Mawsor from Mawshynrut has also been put in the open seat category.
However, the top bosses of UDP — Donkupar Roy (Shella), Paul Lyngdoh (West Shillong), Jemino Mawthoh (Nongthymmai), Embhahlang Syiemlieh (Mawlai) and Metbah Lyngdoh (Mairang) — have been put in the free seats.
Sources in UDP said there are no hard feelings among the parties about the seat-sharing arrangements.
It was also informed that the decision was taken with the approval of all the sitting MLAs of the party.
Echoing similar views, HSPDP leader KP Pangniang also said it was the best solution and both parties are comfortable with the decision.
“Both parties are comfortable and they have discussed the matter at length before arriving at the decision,” Pangniang said.