4 Independents, one NCP MLA set to join Cong

SHILLONG: After the exodus of several legislators from the Congress, four Independent MLAs and one from NCP are set to contest from the party.
A Congress source said the five legislators — Brigady Marak (Bajengdoba), Ashahel D Shira (Rajabala), Michael Sangma (Tikrikilla), David Nongrum (Mawryngkneng) and NCP MLA from Mendipathar Marthon Sangma — had taken the application forms and sought ticket from the party.
Though the name of another Independent legislator, Samuel Sangma (Baghmara), was doing the rounds, he will not join the Congress, the source added.
The Congress had suffered a setback with seven legislators — PN Syiem, Rowell Lyngdoh, Prestone Tynsong, AL Hek, Comingone Ymbon, Sniawbhalang Dhar and Ngaitlang Dhar — leaving the party and three others, DD Lapang, RC Laloo and Roshan Warjri opting out of the poll fray.
Since as many as 10 legislators will not be contesting from the Congress, the party is facing an uphill task to ensure victory in the constituencies represented by them.
While NPP got a boost with seven MLAs joining its fold, BJP too gained with four legislators.
With the Congress set to get five MLAs, the number of legislators who will be contesting from other political parties rose to 16 out of the total 60 seats.