SHILLONG: Congress MP from Shillong, Vincent Pala has said that he preferred to serve at the national forum rather than returning to state politics.
“So far, I have no inclination as my children are still young. The mandate is to serve at the national forum. As of now, I am trying to do my level best for national politics and I have no inclination to return to state politics,” Pala told reporters on the sidelines of a programme.
According to him, there is no difference whether he is in the state or national politics as he gets involved in both.
Pala has been an MP since 2009.
He said while all parties were gearing up for the Assembly election many aspirants from the Congress have submitted their applications.
Pala said that he toured villages in South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and Jaintia Hills in the past two months.
“The people are still inclined towards the Congress except in the coal belt areas of East Jaintia Hills and certain pockets of West Khasi Hills,” he said.
He said that while there may be some issues with local Congress leaders, it may not be too difficult for Congress.
On the party not getting aspirants from certain constituencies, Pala said, “We do have candidates. Congress will field candidates in all 60 seats.”
“Some adjustments were made as some members have left but we have candidates as there are some who haven’t received their acceptance letters from their respective employment. There are some who are in other parties also but it’s too early for them to resign,” he added.
On the infighting in the Congress, he said, “Mudslinging will be there in every party. That’s not abnormal.”
On the party’s poll preparations, he said, “It is only the starting point but until and unless we finalise the candidates, it will difficult to predict who will win and who will lose. It is not only about the party but it also depends on the face value of the candidate.
“We will perform well with good candidates. Otherwise it will be difficult for any party. As of now, when it comes to national parties like BJP, Congress and NPP, almost all of them are enthusiastic,” he said.
Commenting on BJP’s “40 seat target”, Pala said, “Now in politics, even if I say so, people will still know who is who. It does not wholly depend on BJP or my claims as people know who will come (to power).”
However, he admitted that BJP had been able to draw some influence in the state as compared to previous years since it is in power at the Centre.
According to him, the BJP’s claim of getting of 40 seats has very less chance, he said, “But it all comes to down to the kind of candidates they field.”
