8 candidates can’t withdraw; no MDA nominee in by-poll

SHILLONG: As the contesting candidates from the parties which are supporting the MDA government are unable to withdraw their nominations for the by-poll in Williamnagar, the coalition partners will not have any common candidate.
The model code of conduct has come into force for the April 27 by-poll and this will be effective only in East Garo Hills district.
Since the period of withdrawal of candidates is over, all the candidates who had earlier filed their nomination papers will have no other option but to contest.
The coalition partners, UDP and BJP had fielded their respective candidates, Mahamsing M Sangma and Santosh Marak. Marcuise Marak is the candidate of NPP.
UDP president Donkupar Roy said the party’s candidate will have to contest the election since he cannot come out of the fray. “However, we will meet to adopt a strategy to ensure the victory of a non-Congress candidate,” he said.
BJP president Shibun Lyngdoh said the party candidate will contest the poll.
“As far as Williamnagar is concerned, we are unable to think about any common candidate as all the candidates who had filed the nominations will have to contest,” Lyngdoh asserted.
There are currently eight candidates in the fray – those from NPP, UDP, BJP and Congress, besides four independents.
The NCP candidate, wife of late Jonathone Sangma, will file the nomination paper on Monday or Tuesday which will take the final tally of candidates to nine.