SHILLONG: The NPP-led MDA partners are unlikely to field common candidates in both Shillong and Tura parliamentary constituencies.
Though efforts are on from the UDP to field a common candidate, other parties in the coalition are yet to reciprocate.
NPP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong favoured the idea but the party is yet to take a call on the matter.
BJP leader and Cabinet Minister AL Hek recently made it clear that the party, with its own identity, does not want to always support a single candidate in the coalition, which means that the BJP will field its own candidates in both Shillong and Tura.
HSPDP leader Martle Mukhim said the party is yet to discuss the matter.
HSPDP and UDP had pre-poll understanding prior to the Assembly election and it is yet to be known whether the same understanding will continue for the Lok Sabha polls since both are planning to contest separately for the district council election.
As far as NPP is concerned, whether there is support from coalition partners or not, the party is determined to contest in Tura while it may support UDP in Shillong if the party does not find a suitable candidate, sources added.
For Tura, the support of UDP does not matter much for NPP as the UDP does not have significant presence in Garo Hills.
A Congress leader said the party will benefit from multiple candidates in the Lok Sabha polls.
While sitting Shillong MP Vincent Pala will seek re-election for the third consecutive term, the Congress is yet to decide on the Tura candidate.
No by-poll in Tura
The Election Commission will not hold by-poll for Tura Lok Sabha seat after the resignation of Conrad Sangma, who took over as chief minister.
As per a recent statement of the Election Commission, Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, mandates the Election Commission to fill the casual vacancies in the Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures through by-elections within six months from the date of occurrence of the vacancy provided that the remainder of the term of a member in relation to a vacancy is one year or more.
The term of the 16th Lok Sabha is up to June 3 next year and since the vacancy for Tura Lok Sabha is less than one year after Conrad resigned, there will be no by-poll.
It was on September 4 that Conrad resigned as MP.
