SHILLONG: Tony Marbaniang, who was expelled from BJP in July for anti-party activities, will face his bête noir, BJP’s JA Lyngdoh, in the electoral battleground as the former has decided to contest from North Shillong on a regional party ticket.
The 25-year-old politician, who is the former president of the Hynniewtrep National People’s Movement, told reporters on Tuesday, “The electorate now should give chance to young people to make a difference and bring about change in politics.”
Marbaniang, however, did not disclose the name of the party he was planning to join.
With Marbaniang’s entry, the battle in North Shillong becomes multi-cornered. Other big names vying for the seat are UDP’s Joe Marwein, BJP’s JA Lyngdoh, KHNAM’s Edelbert Nongrum and Congress’s WHD Syngkon.
Marbaniang said most candidates only assure people that the problem of unemployment would be solved but “I will give a written assurance along with my signature to every household when I visit their house,” he said, adding that people would be free to file a case against him if he fails to fulfil his promise.
However, when asked on how he will generate employment, Marbaniang said details on this matter will be given only after he is elected as an MLA.
He further said if elected he will solve the interstate border issue with Assam.
“I will try and bring together all the NGOs in the state including the HNLC if they are ready to give up their arms and join the mainstream to find a solution on how to resolve the present border dispute,” he said.
