SHILLONG: The NPP has not ruled out the idea of fielding a common candidate with free symbol to contest Shillong Lok Sabha seat and is keen to discuss it at the MDA coordination committee meeting.
NPP state president WR Kharlukhi said on Sunday parties supporting the alliance may have different stand and the issue of free symbol will be discussed.
The UDP on Saturday had rejected the idea of free symbol and its president Donkupar Roy had said the candidate should be from a political party “that will be more acceptable to the people”.
Independent MLA Lambor Malngiang and BJP leader AL Hek had suggested a candidate without any party tag and with a free symbol to contest the Lok Sabha seat.
The last MDA meet had discussed about common candidates but talks remained inconclusive.
When asked about Tura seat, Kharlukhi said the name of Agatha Sangma as the candidate has been considered but nothing has been finalised.
In 2004, the Regional People’s Alliance (RPA) fielded a common candidate for the Lok Sabha polls.
S Loniak Marbaniang had contested as the candidate of the RPA despite being a member of the HSPDP. He was allotted a separate symbol.
