From CK Nayak
NEW DELHI: The poll challenge is getting harder for the Congress in Meghalaya where even finding suitable candidates in many constituencies, including in the city, has become a daunting task for the grand old party.
The Pradesh Election Committee will meet on Thursday and the day after for selecting candidates for the 60 seats. But it was heard on the grapevine that not many are keen on opting for Congress ticket.
The situation is worse in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills where legislators, former ministers and senior party leaders have left in droves.
The impact of anti-incumbency is less severe in Garo Hills that has fewer seats, most of which are under the control of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and members of his family.
The party does not have prominent candidates in Pynthorumkhrah, represented by AL Hek, and Raliang held by Comingone Ymbon.
For Pynursla (Prestone Tynsong) and Mawhati (Julius Dorphang) too there are no good candidates, party insiders told The Shillong Times.
Also, three senior leaders — DD Lapang, RC Laloo and Roshan Warjri — have opted out of the electoral race. While Lapang has backed Meralborn Syiem from Nongpoh, JHADC chief Andrew Shullai is the Congress’s face in Jowai.
However, the recent development in the JHADC where the party may lose majority after the exit of five party MDCs may affect the Congress.
In Warjri’s North Shillong constituency, the face of party is WHD Syngkon.
In Mawsynram, which is the constituency of PN Syiem whom the party suspended, the Congress has confirmed the name of former bureaucrat HM Shangpliang, a political greenhorn.
Recently, Congress spokesperson and Minister Ronnie V Lyngdoh had boasted that the party was “flooded with candidates”.
The Congress had claimed it has received more than 100 applications from aspiring candidates. But considering the 60 seats, there will not be more than one applicant from some seats.
Back in New Delhi, the scene at the Congress headquarters is not any better. Before the polls, party legislators and ticket aspirants usually make a beeline to the national capital for days. This time, the Congress, which has ruled the hill state for most part of the 45 years of its formation, is devoid of the past glory.
Major regional parties like NPP, UDP and HSPDP have announced names for several constituencies. The Congress and BJP are yet to make announcements.
Some sitting legislators also fielded their close family members in their favoured seats. But considering the defeat of the son of Minister HDR Lyngdoh in the KHADC by polls, win will depend on the individual charisma of the candidates.