SHILLONG/TURA: The BJP has started preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections inviting applications from prospective candidates for the Shillong and Tura seats.
General secretary of the state unit, Bashailang Khongwir, said the last date for receiving applications is March 12.
During the meeting held at BJP office regarding finalisation of names for the Lok Sabha elections, one of the prominent names that figured was of South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai. Sources confirmed that the BJP MLA has expressed his willingness to contest the election if the central leaders repose faith in his candidature.
The sources also confirmed that most of the state leaders have backed Shullai’s candidature.
However, it was finalised in the meeting that applications would be sought from aspirants and among the names three prominent names will be forwarded by the state committee for final approval by the central committee.
Khongwir, however, said, “There is nothing like that, but we are open to applications from our members.”
When contacted, Shullai said he was at a funeral.
Earlier, there was speculation that MLA and Cabinet Minister AL Hek will contest from the Shillong seat. He, however, said that it is up to the central leadership to decide the matter.
The party’s decision to contest the two Lok Sabha seats in the state was taken during the recent state executive committee meeting attended by its top leaders, including Ajay Jamwal, the BJP general secretary in-charge of North East Zone, state party president and candidates who contested the last state Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, the Garo Hills unit of the party has begun the process of inviting potential candidates for the Tura seat.
“Those who are aspiring for the party ticket, have been given time till Monday to submit their papers to our party office in Tura,” said BJP spokesperson for Garo Hills Digros D Shira.
According to some party insiders, the BJP is keen to contest the polls as many of its supporters are beginning to feel disillusioned for not being allowed to contest the national polls for the last couple of elections.
The local party leaders are also unhappy with the National People’s Party for opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
So far, only the BJP candidate from Songsak constituency, Thomas N Marak, who unsuccessfully contested the 2018 assembly polls, has applied for the ticket.
Names of several others as prospective candidates are doing the rounds, including BJP candidate from South Tura in the last assembly election Billykid A Sangma, but the latter has denied he is a potential candidate. Billykid Sangma had fought a close battle and lost to the NPP candidate Agatha K Sangma.
