SHILLONG: The elections to the Jaintia and the Khasi Hills autonomous district councils scheduled for February 27 is seeing less activity than last year’s Assembly election.
Giving his take on the lack of enthusiasm in electioneering, UDP president Donkupar Roy cited the frequent defection by MDCs to other political parties as the reason for people distancing themselves from canvassing for certain candidates.
With the autonomous district councils not coming under the anti-defection law, Roy said, “We are unfortunate that we got candidates who are gentlemen.”
Expressing confidence in the UDP candidates, he said the party has directed members at the grassroots level to be certain about every candidate’s allegiance to the party. “It is crucial to get candidates who have principles,” he said as he expressed confidence that they will not defect to other parties.
When asked whether the role of money has played a part for the lukewarm response, Roy said money power is high during general elections while it is less in the council polls.
“But I cannot say anything as times are changing as those who have money have the tendency to spend money during elections,” he added. Roy stated that the problem with regional parties is that they do not have enough funding and claimed they can beat national parties if they have sufficient funds.
Exuding confidence, he said the UDP is ready in almost all the constituencies under both the district councils. In JHADC, he said the candidates have high probability to win and some of them having cent per cent chance to emerge successful. “In KHADC many of the candidates are prepared for the polls. We are confident UDP will form the Executive Committee if not alone but with an alliance,” he said.
To a query, the UDP president replied that the alliance with the HSPDP is an understanding and “HSDPD will become a part of the alliance post election”. The UDP intends to contest in almost all constituencies and the manifesto will be out soon.
Meanwhile, UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh informed that the UDP central committee meeting will be held on January 28.
UDP releases list
The UDP has released the fifth list which includes three candidates – Hat Pohchen from War Central, Lomris Lyngdoh from Muthlong Sohkymphor and Damonmi Dkhar from Nartiang Umladang.