SHILLONG: The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), an ally of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, is planning to contest the upcoming Assembly elections from 30 constituencies.
Speaking to media persons here on Saturday, the party’s Meghalaya president, Jamil Ahmed, said names would be announced depending on the availability of “suitable and clean candidate”.
Unlike other political parties, who are gearing up to welcome legislators, LJP said it does not believe in pouring “old wine in new bottle”.
He further cited that though the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) is a newly floated regional political party in the state, it is welcoming the same people who were earlier with other parties. Ahmed said since LJP is committed to good governance, a corruption-free government and development, the party would not make a wrong move.
At the same time, he asserted that the party would welcome those legislators who are ready to work under the norms laid down by the party.Whether LJP is keen to work with BJP in the state, Ahmed said the scenario in Meghalaya is different and maintained that LJP would prefer to contest the upcoming poll in 2018 separately.
“We are not keen to have any pre-poll alliance with BJP,” he said while stating that LJP is also not in line with BJP on many issues, like ban on cow slaughter.
Pynursla candidate
LJP announced its candidate for Pynursla in East Khasi Hills and Selsella in West Garo Hills. Arelitha K Sangma, a former member of the Aam Aadmi Party, is all set to contest against Cabinet minister Clement Marak from Selsella.
Denis Tynsiar will contest against Prestone Tynsong, a Congress legislator from Pynursla who was also a former Minister in the Meghalaya United Alliance government.
Meanwhile, Ahmed claimed that the LJP has enrolled around one lakh members so far, who spread across all the 11 districts of Meghalaya. He claimed that more leaders and grassroots workers would join LJP.
It may be mentioned here that LJP had fielded only four candidates in the last 2013 Assembly election but drew a blank.
