SHILLONG: UDP chief Donkupar Roy said on Saturday that the selection of a candidate from MDA with free symbol to contest Shillong Lok Sabha seat is not practical.
There were suggestions from MDA partners, Independent MLA and chairman of Meghalaya State Planning Board Lambor Malngiang and BJP leader AL Hek to have a candidate without any party tag and with a free symbol to contest the Lok Sabha seat.
The UDP has already projected Jemino Mawthoh as the party’s candidate and wants the MDA to accept his candidature when the co-ordination committee meets next time.
According to Roy, the candidate should be from a political party that will be more acceptable to the people. “We have suggested our party’s choice. Other coalition partners are free to project their names and the MDA can choose the best,” Roy said. According to the party leader, the UDP feels that Mawthoh is “a better candidate”. When asked about the hurry in projecting its candidate, Roy said since time is too short, the party wanted early selection of the candidate as the Lok Sabha polls can be held sometime in April-May next.
“For the Shillong seat, the candidate has to cover 36 Assembly constituencies compared to the Assembly polls and for this, more time is required,” Roy added.
To a question, Roy said the UDP needs the support of HSPDP and other regional parties.