By Saurav Bora
GUWAHATI: Voters in Meghalaya have a mixed perception as far as the choice of their candidate in the Lok Sabha elections to be held on April 11 is concerned, even as “change” seems to be the preference of the majority.
The primary tussle in Shillong parliamentary seat is between Vincent Pala of Congress and Jemino Mawthoh of United Democratic Party, the consensus candidate of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance.
“The young voters are definitely looking for a change and back a new candidate. At least that is my perception of the situation in Shillong. Vincent Pala has been tried and tested and has done precious little in the name of development. Given that the BJP might come back to power again at the Centre, an NDA-affiliated party candidate should be able to project what is needed in a better way in Parliament,” a resident of Bishnupur told The Shillong Times, requesting anonymity.
The performance of the regional parties in the recently concluded district council elections might not have a direct bearing on the outcome, but some are banking on the MDA candidate.
“I will definitely bet my money on the MDA common candidate Jemino Mawthoh given the fact that regional parties had fared better in the district council elections. He is known for his humility, good manners and integrity and as an MP he will definitely perform better than what we have seen in the past. The people need a change,” VGK Kynta, senior advocate in Meghalaya High Court, said.
Voters in semi-urban and rural areas of constituencies such as Jirang, however, are banking on Congress’ Pala in Shillong despite the outcome of the district council polls.
“The general trend is that people of Jirang still favour Congress even as there are sections that prefer the ruling party, with the MDC and MLA both from NPP,” C Kharbani, a resident of Patharkhmah, said.
Tura Lok Sabha seat too is up for a battle of the heavyweights with Congressman and former chief minister, Mukul Sangma taking on National People’s Party’s Agatha K Sangma.
“So far as Garo Hills is concerned, it is fifty-fifty, as both Mukul (Congress) and Agatha (NPP) are equally good. But since Congress may not come to power, perhaps the lady will be the right choice for now. I wish the people to vote wisely and consciously,” Kynta said.
Others tend to differ. “A change is imminent in Tura. We know that Mukul is the stronger leader and he should win. NPP has not done anything for development or job creation for youths in Garo Hills. We have only seen dynastic politics play a role,” said a resident of Tura town.
In the same vein, S Koch, a resident of Ampati, said the NPP wave, as has been projected, might not be that strong this time as Congress has fielded a strong leader who had last year won from both Ampati and Songsak.