SHILLONG: Even when there was no “Modi wave” in 2014 prior to the last Lok Sabha polls, the BJP was the frontrunner in many of the city constituencies.
State BJP president Shibun Lyngdoh, who was the candidate then, admitted that without much wave in favour of the party in 2014, it emerged victorious in a few constituencies and hoped that with the trend favouring the party, the BJP will be able to secure many seats in 2018.
“In 2014, prior to the Lok Sabha polls, there was not much wave in favour of us, but after the BJP assumed power at the Centre the situation has changed,” he said.
As many as 36 constituencies form part of the Shillong Lok Sabha seat and the maximum votes the BJP secured in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls was from South Shillong constituency with as many as 10,534 votes whereas rival Congress candidate Vincent H Pala secured only 4645 votes.
South Shillong is currently represented by NCP’s Sanbor Shullai.
In another urban constituency, West Shillong, BJP candidate Shibun had secured 6591 votes and the runner up was the local MLA and the then UDP candidate Paul Lyngdoh who had also contested the Lok Sabha polls.
Paul secured 3921 votes, while Congress candidate, Pala came third with 3407 votes.
In North Shillong which is currently represented by Cabinet Minister Roshan Warjri, BJP got 5165 votes whereas Pala secured only 4233 votes.
Another urban constituency where the BJP polled more votes than the Congress was Pynthorumkhrah which is represented by Congress legislator A.L Hek. Shibun secured 6984 votes as against and Pala’s count of 4183.
There are media reports that Hek may switch over to BJP which is his parent party.
Other urban constituencies where the BJP and Congress engaged in a close contest were East Shillong and Nongthymmai.
Among the rural constituencies, Raliang went to BJP as Shibun had secured 7097 votes compared to his rival (5490 votes).
Raliang is currently represented by new cabinet minister Comingone Ymbon from the Congress.
Khliehriat constituency in East Jaintia Hills had witnessed close contest with Shibun getting 9541 votes while Pala fared marginally better with 9875.
