SHILLONG/NONGSTOIN/TURA: Four Assembly poll candidates, all from Khasi Hills, submitted documents on the first day of filing of nominations on Wednesday.
Congress candidate from East Shillong Ampareen Lyngdoh, and Independent candidates Ricky Shullai (Mylliem), NL Nongsiang (Mawshynrut) and Mattsing Nongrum (Sohra) filed nomination papers in Shillong, Nongstoin and Sohra.
Ricky, the nephew of BJP member and former MLA of South Shillong, Sanbor Shullai, said it was impossible to walk in the footsteps of his uncle.
Speaking to reporters outside the deputy commissioner’s office, Ricky said his supporters did not want him to join BJP after “criticisms of the saffron party” on several issues.
Another reason for contesting the election is to address the problems of the people of Lawsohtun, the young MDC said.
Lawsohtun falls under Mylliem Assembly constituency but is part of Laban constituency in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
In Nongstoin, Nongsiang filed the papers before the assistant returning officer in West Khasi Hills, Raja Brahman. He was accompanied by his son Wallambok Dkhar.
The former minister founded NPP in Mawshynrut but he was denied ticket that prompted him to contest the election as an Independent candidate. Nongsiang, who became the first from the district to file nomination, will face NPP’s Jigur Myrthong and HSPDP’s Witting Mawsor.
Nongrum filed his nomination in Sohra, Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor said.
No nominations were filed in the five districts of Garo Hills though the notification for filing the papers was out on Wednesday.
The last date filing nomination is February 7 and scrutiny of nominations will be done on February 8. February 12 will be the last day for candidates to withdraw their nominations.
