Five MLAs to join Cong before polls

SHILLONG: The state Congress has reiterated that five MLAs would definitely join the party ahead of next month’s Assembly elections.
Congress spokesperson, RV Lyngdoh on Tuesday said, “They will join shortly.”
He also denied speculations that Congress was delaying the announcement of candidates to pave way for MLAs to join the party.
“It’s not necessary. We have not announced the candidates as the Pradesh Election Committee could not sit last week,” Lyngdoh said.
Five legislators – Brigady Marak (Bajengdoba), Ashahel D Shira (Rajabala), Michael Sangma (Tikrikilla), David Nongrum (Mawryngkneng) and NCP MLA from Mendipathar, Marthon Sangma – had taken application forms and sought tickets from the party.
He said the Pradesh Election Committee would sit anytime to discuss the names of the candidates.
) Several sitting MLAs in the Assembly have already shifted to different political parties in the run up to the elections.
While eight MLAs including Prestone Tynsong, Rowell Lyngdoh, Comingone Ymbon, Sniawbhalang Dhar and Ngaitlang Dhar (all Congress), UDP’s Remington Pyngrope, and Independents, Stephanson Mukhim and Hopeful Bamon joined National People’s Party, another group of legislators including AL Hek (Congress), Sanbor Shullai (NCP), Robinus Syngkon (Independent) and Justine Dkhar (Independent) joined BJP.
Recently, another Independent candidate, Saleng Sangma joined Nationalist Congress Party.