SHILLONG: Former chief of People’s Democratic Front (PDF), PN Syiem, is keeping his cards open to join a political party before the Assembly polls slated for 2023, while also making it clear that he has no intention to float a new political party.
Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, Syiem rubbished the speculations that said he may float a new political party, especially after the creation of PDF, which failed and he ultimately quit the party.
Describing an exception, Syiem, however, said that if other leaders come together to form a new party, he is likely to join as well. Reiterating that he is keeping his cards open, the former MLA, who represented Congress, NPP and PDF in the last 12 years of politics, stated that he is not averse to joining any political party in the state.
“The (important) thing is, I have to give the best service to the people and many political parties are looking for winnability factor and I think I have a good chance of winning the elections in 2023,” he said, while informing that many political parties in the state have already approached him.
Asked about his preference of the constituency in which he would contest, Syiem said he is exploring the idea of contesting from Pynthormukhrah Constituency.
Syiem, who is a two-time MLA from Mawsynram Constituency and an independent MDC from North Shillong, said he is contemplating the idea of contesting from Pynthormukhrah riding on the back of good support base. He, however, said that North Shillong Constituency is also on his mind.
If Syiem contests from Pynthormukhrah, he would most likely lock horns with BJP MLA and Health Minister AL Hek, who is the undisputed champion for five times from the constituency.