SHILLONG: Masterson Kharbyngar (Independent), who is contesting the February 27 Assembly polls for the first time from Nongkrem, can listen to Hispreachering Son Shylla (NPP) of the same constituency before taking the next move, but cannot take Hilarius Pohchen (PDF) and Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit (HSPDP) lightly.
Come every election in Meghalaya, candidates, like Comingone Ymbon (NPP from Raliang), with fancy and curious names add variety to an otherwise monotonous polls.
Over 45 such names figure on the list of 374 contesting candidates in Meghalaya. As the crooked game of electoral politics picks up momentum, Innocent Shadap from KHNAM gets ready to take on Couple stone Shylla (Independent) in Nartiang.
While Moonlight Pariat, the UDP candidate from Jowai, is in the race, Congress’s Witness Day Sancley (Jirang) will have to slug it out with Comfort Doloi (Independent) in the same constituency.
Those who are fighting this battle are no ordinary men, as Brigady Napak Marak (Bajengdoba) of the Congress, Fieldmarshal Mawphniang (Umroi) from BJP, Airmarshal Diengngan (Ranikor) from PDF, Frankenstein W Momin (Mendipathar) from NPP, Boston Marak (Salmanpara) from GNC, Kennedy Khyriem (Mawphlang) from Congress and Bomber Sing Hynniewta (Mylliem), an Independent candidate, are big names.
Joining Bomber are Campbell Manick Syiem (Independent) and Hamletson Dohling (PDF), also contesting from Mylliem.
For NPP’s Salmanpara candidate Ian Botham K Sangma, the game is beyond the 22 yards and he is busy preparing his pitch for the bet outcome.
Though former MLA Adolf Lu Hitler Marak is not contesting this election, he is one of the BJP campaigners in Garo Hills. Fearless Warjri, who is currently a Congress coordinator, is also trying to secure votes for the party’s candidates.
When contacted, Hitler said his parents gave the name for reasons best known to them and he did not want to elaborate further.
Geographically separated Highlander Kharmalki of the PDF is contesting from Mawryngkneng whereas Himalaya Muktan Shangpliang from the Congress is trying his luck from Mawsynram, the wettest place on Earth.
Election is not a kid’s play for Independent candidate Adamkid M Sangma, who is contesting from North Tura, and BJP’s Billykid Sangma from South Tura.
In the methodical polls, Congress candidate Process T Sawkmie (Mawlai) is trying all out to wrest the seat while Predecessor Rumnong from NCP will contest from Pynthorumkhrah.
Adding to the musical and colourful names are Sounder Cajee, NPP candidate from South Shillong, Wonderlyne Lapang (Aam Aadmi Party) from Umsning, Romeo Phira Rani, Independent from East Shillong, Violet Lyngdoh, NPP candidate from Khliehriat and Hearsing D Shira, BJP candidate from Resubelpara.
Hopeful Bamon from NPP, contesting from Sutnga-Saipung, is optimistic about retaining the seat but there may be a hurdle for his race as Defender Pakem from HSPDP is also in the fray from the same constituency.
Wellborn Bynnud, an Independent candidate from Shella, and Firstbornson Nongtdu, another Independent from Khliehriat, have no connection other than the polls and their names.
The same is the case with Pillarson G Momin, UDP candidate from Raksamgre, and Secondson A Sangma, NCP candidate from Chokpot.
Though questions have been raised about political morality ahead of the polls, Goodleaderson Nongsiej, PDF candidate from Nongstoin, Rightious Sangma, NCP candidate from Salmanpara and Councellor Singh Wahlang, PDF nominee from Mairang, make a difference at least with their names.
In Mawshynrut constituency, Witting Mawsor from HSPDP has to face Morningstar Mawsor of the PDF.
Mody Sangma, Independent candidate from
Rangsakona, is a close namesake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While Eureka FP Lyngdoh, Congress candidate from Mairang, is waiting for the cry of victory, Winnerson Sangma, another Congress candidate from Salmanpara, is aiming a win yet again.
Living writes to Killing
When asked to comment on the curious names, the chief electoral officer, Frederick Kharkongor said that his own election staff, Living Nongsiej used to send election related mails to Killing, another staff in Garo Hills.
