Cong nets only three MLAs to contest polls

SHILLONG: From the claims of getting five legislators, the Congress got only three sitting legislators while it lost seven MLAs to other political parties like PDF, Congress and NPP.
Besides Marthon Sangma from NCP and Independents David Nongrum and Brigady Marak, who were already allotted party tickets, the Congress had claimed that two more Independent legislators, Ashahel D Shira and Michael Sangma, would join its fold, but in vain.
In fact, Michael, representing Tikrikilla constituency, had even resigned from the post to contest on a Congress ticket but the party gave ticket to Jimmy D Sangma.
The Congress also allotted ticket to Ajad Zaman to contest from Rajabala that is currently held by Ashahel.
When contacted, a Congress functionary admitted that the party could not bring in Michael and Ashahel due to some problems.
The functionary, however, did not elaborate the reason.
The legislators who left the Congress include P N Syiem (PDF) and Rowell Lyngdoh, Prestone Tynsong, Comingone Ymbon, Sniawbhalang Dhar and Ngaitlang Dhar (all NPP) and AL Hek (BJP).