SHILLONG: With only four months left for the Assembly elections, regional political parties are gearing up to field candidates in different constituencies whereas national parties are going slow.
Poll allies UDP-HSPDP has 17 free seats while HSPDP has 10 and nine open seats.
As far as the second list is concerned, UDP member Bindo Lanong told The Shillong Times that the names will be out soon.
When asked on the common minimum programme of the poll allies, Lanong said, “It is ready. We will have to meet our poll partner (HSPDP) to finalise the common minimum programme.”
UDP has released the first list of 28 candidates.
HSPDP has released the first and second list which features the names of 13 candidates.
HSPDP has also fielded three new candidates — a social worker Biolinda L Nonglait from Mawthadraishan constituency, a law graduate, Defender Pakem from Sutnga-Saipung and a noted lawyer, Alester Neville Diengdoh from North Shillong constituency, Blatsbor Kharpran from Mawryng-knengs, Renikton L Tongkhar from Mawkyrwat and Droistar Khongsti from Sohra constituency.
Meanwhile, the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) president, Pyndap Saiborne said that talks are on in other constituencies.
He added that presently, the party has fielded five candidates. They are sitting MDC from Adelbert Nongrum (Jaiaw) contesting from North Shillong constituency, Ban L Nongbri from Mawlai constituency, Zaachari Shadap from Mawhati constituency and Moses Kharbithai from Mawryngkneng constituency, Innocent Shadap from Nartiang.
Then there is the new entrant, People’s Democratic Front (PDF), leaders of which have gone to nook and corner of the Khasi, Jaintia and Ri Bhoi.
The national parties, Congress, BJP, NCP and NPP are yet to release the names of candidates.
UDP candidates are Moonlight Pariat (Jowai), Kyrmen Shylla (Khliehriat), Rona Kyndeit (Nongpoh), Donkupar Sumer (Umsning), First Force Deki Ramsiej (Umroi), Embhahlang Syiemlieh (Mawlai), Bindo M Lanong (East Shillong), Joe Marwein (North Shillong), Paul Lyngdoh (West Shillong), Jemino Mawthoh (Nongthymmai) and Olan Suin (Mawsynram), Donkupar Roy (Shella), Titosstarwell Chyne (Sohra), Remington Pyngrope (Mawkynrew), Metbah Lyngdoh (Mairang), Brolding Nongsiej (Mawthadraishan), Savio Iawphniaw (Mawshynrut), Pius Marwein (Ranikor), Kharkutta: Luderburg Ch Momin, Songsak: Arun N Marak, Rongjeng: Bartush R Marak, Williamnagar: Mahamsingh M Sangma, Raksamgre: Pillarson G Momin, Selsella: Kabul A Sangma, North Tura: Utpal Arengh, South Tura: Pallab D Arengh, Mahendraganj: Nidhuram Hajong, Salmanpara: Nimarson Momin.
HSPDP candidates are Phlastingwell Pangniang from Rambrai Jyrngam constituency, Witting Mawsor from Mawshynrut constituency and Diosstarness Jyndiang from Nongstoin constituency, Mylliem MDC, Teilinia Thangkhiew and Sohiong MDC, Samlin Malniang, Pynshai Manik Syiem from Mawphlang constituency and Martle M Mukhim from Mawkynrew constituency.
