SHILLONG: Although the state is abuzz with speculation as to which national party will secure a majority or emerge as the single largest party in the state, poll pundits know that comparatively smaller parties could punch well above their weight. These otherwise small parties have fielded a large number of candidates in the Assembly election and are confident of putting up an impressive show.
Chief of People’s Democratic Front (PDF) PN Syiem said his party was confident of winning many seats.
“We are confident of winning at least 7-8 seats because we can never be sure what the voters have in their minds,” he said.
Asked about the post-poll strategy of the party, Syiem said the possibility or otherwise of stitching an alliance was a matter which would be taken up with the successful candidates.
The PDF had fielded 26 candidates this time.
On the other hand, NCP working president Vijay Raj, too, claimed the party would win a large number of seats, although he could not specify how many. The NCP had fielded 20 candidates in the Assembly polls.
State president of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Wanshuwa Nongtdu said the people of the state were still confused about the AAP this time and hoped they would choose AAP over other parties in the 2019 Council elections. Six AAP candidates were in the electoral fray this time.
“We are still a new party in Meghalaya,” he told The Shillong Times.
Nongtdu, moreover, observed that the people seemed to be in favour of the National People’s Party. “Though the people have not yet accepted the BJP, yet the saffron party will likely secure 8 seats,” he said.
As regards post-poll alliances, Nongtdu said the AAP is in favour of the regional parties rather than the national parties like BJP and Congress.
Meanwhile, state president of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) Jamil Ahmed said he was hopeful for the lone LJP candidate who contested the polls this time.
