Ex-KHADC chief almost certain to contest Ranikor

SHILLONG: Former KHADC CEM and chief of People’s Democratic Front, PN Syiem has more or less decided to contest the upcoming Ranikor by-poll.
Speaking to The Shillong Times here on Saturday, Syiem said, “It seems I have to move ahead and contest the elections.”
Syiem pointed out that being the leader of a newly-floated political party, it was his right to contest the election from any constituency of the state and he urged UDP to understand their leader.
“I have already finalised my programme for the next two weeks,” he said, but however added that his idea of contesting the elections has to be discussed in the core committee meeting.
When asked if his decision to contest the election would have political ramifications in the state, he said the party could not compromise its identity because of the coalition and the party’s identity must be safeguarded.
On being asked if he could win the byelection in Ranikor, the former CEM said anything was possible in the election and people there know his experience and maturity as two-term MLA and MDC.
) “By-elections is difficult for others but not for me as my name is in people’s mind and soul,” he said.
Earlier, a section of the constituents from Ranikor Assembly constituency had suggested fielding a consensus candidate against Martin M. Danggo, who is likely to contest on an NPP ticket.
The by-election in Ranikor was necessitated after Danggo, a former Congress MLA resigned as a legislator following the state government’s decision to upgrade Ranikor into a civil sub-division which was inaugurated recently.