SHILLONG: The next Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) will see a mix of the old guard and Young Turks after verdict of the people on the polls held on February 27.
The KHADC will witness some first-timers such as Charles Marngar, Macdalyn Sawkmie Mawlong, Ryngkatlang Lyndem, Alvin Khyriem Sawkmie, Mitchel Wankhar, Fantin Joseph Lakadong, Teiborlang Pathaw, Sherborlang Mawlong, Batskhem Ryntathiang, Jambor War, Carnes Sohshang, Nasar Marwein, Bajop Pyngrope.
Among the old guard of state politics, who are expected to enrich the council sessions with their experience, are Martle Mukhim, Ronnie Lyngdoh and Paul Lyngdoh, who had never contested a council election, but was an MLA for two consecutive terms from Jaiaw constituency. He has won the Jaiaw MDC seat in his first outing.
Some of the MDCs to return are Teinwell Dkhar, Pynshngaiñlang Syiem, Titos Chyne, Latiplang Kharkongor, Grace Mary Kharpuri, Lamphrang Blah and Gabriel Wahlang.
Two sitting MLAs who contested the elections, Lambor Malniang and Gigur Myrthong, have won. Malniang is also a former MDC.
The counting in Polo on Saturday was held for some constituencies which included Sohryngkham, Mawkynrew, Nongkrem, Lyngkyrdem-Laitkroh, Nongshken, Mawsynram, Mylliem, Laban-Mawprem, Nongthymmai, Laitumkhrah, Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah, Jaiaw, Mawlai, Mawphlang-Diengiei, Nongspung-Sohiong.
The Shillong Times caught up with some of the victorious candidates at Polo and Dalang Ground.
Here’s what they had to say:
Martle Mukhim
Seen as a jovial man and known for his comic timing, he sprang a surprise by being re-elected after 11 years. He said his priorities include “maintenance, protection, prevention, development, up lift of human resource politically, socially and economically so that our people will attain a level respected by others. I feel bad that people from outside look down on us because of our poor image in administration, politics and several other areas.” He also spoke about bringing an anti-defection bill in the district council.
Paul Lyngdoh
Alleging use of money by the Congress in the elections, he attributed his victory to his supporters. He said, “They see me not just as a representative, but as a leader.
The quality of the people sent to the council will reflect in the politics of our state. This is not a playground but an institution to chart the future of the indigenous people.”
He has set his mind on efficient implementation of laws and ensuring cooperation between the state government and the district council instead of confrontation. He argued the two are not free from confrontation even if the same party is in power in both.
Ronnie Lyngdoh
The former minister, who lost the last assembly election, is back on public platform as MDC of Mylliem. He talked of coming up with laws for the protection of the indigenous people. “The district council is a guard against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB). It is for the protection and preservation of tribal rights.”
He also stressed on the need to review the implementation of MDC schemes.
Lambor Malniang
He assured to continue his support to bring effective bills to protect traditional institutions, to prevent rampant issue of trading licenses etc.
Latiplang Kharkongor
Elected as MDC of Nongthymmai for the third term, he pointed to the need to streamline the departments of the council.
He said issues regarding trade, codification of laws and land bills have to be taken up.
Mitchel Wankhar
The first time MDC from Laban-Mawprem, who was pitted against local MLA Sanbor Shullai’s nephew, said his victory was more against the legislator since he had all along campaigned for Ricky Shullai.
He spoke about bringing transparency and accountability in the constituency. As for KHADC, he assured to look into the bills and continue opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
