SHILLONG/MAWKYRWAT: The Congress on Monday fielded Jotin Khardewsaw as its candidate for the Langrin district council seat bypoll scheduled for February 28 while the National People’s Party (NPP) has proposed Kitborlang Nongrem.
The election committee of the MPCC approved the name of Khardewsaw as party candidate, a statement said.
The NPP candidate, Nongrem, is party’s South West Khasi Hills president.
The NPP Ranikor Block was reconstituted on Monday after it remained dormant following the resignation of its president, German Nongsiang, and others.
The ad hoc committee of the NPP Ranikor Block was constituted in a meeting held at Rangthong village, which was attended by leaders of primary units from different areas under Ranikor constituency.
After the brief explanation about the cause of the fallout, the leaders decided to stay with the party.
The ad hoc committee will be headed by the District President, Nongrem, as the president, Michael Lyngdoh from Dong Pdeng area, Thrangborlin Wanniang from War San Lyngdoh area, Samson Marak and Louis G Momin of border area as vice presidents, Nelbi T Sangma as general secretary and Wordingland Shangdiar as assistant secretary. The meeting discussed about the upcoming bypoll and all the leaders felt that just because some leaders left the party, it does not mean that the party should surrender, instead it should be strengthened to face the election.
“We will forward the name of Nongrem recommended by the ad hoc committee to the district and the state level, but the high command will decide whether to contest the by poll or not,” said the general secretary of the committee, while adding that by February 10, the party will take a decision.
On the other hand, Nongrem expressed hope that the NPP leader and former MLA from Ranikor MM Danggo would remain with the party and will not rejoin the Congress as he has clarified that he will support any candidate that the party chooses.
“We hope and request Danggo to remain with the NPP as the party has fulfilled his dreams of getting the Ranikor Civil Sub-Division,” Nongrem said.
Earlier, the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) comprising United Democratic Party (UDP) and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) decided to field UDP MLA from Ranikor, Pius Marwein to contest the seat.
The bypoll has been necessitated following the demise of sitting MDC Nasar Marwein in October last year.
