SHILLONG, April 7: State Congress chief and Lok Sabha member, Vincent H Pala has hinted that he is likely to contest from Sutnga-Saipung constituency in the 2023 Assembly polls if the party fails to find a suitable candidate.
Speaking with The Shillong Times over the phone, Pala said the party recently reconstituted the Sutnga-Saipung Block Congress Committee.
“I have asked BCC leaders to start looking for a young and dynamic candidate to contest the Assembly election. At the moment, we do not have any candidate from Sutnga-Saipung,” Pala said.
Revealing that his supporters and party leaders were forcing him to contest the Assembly election, he said, “I am yet to take a call on this. Let us see how things unfold in the coming months. If there is no one I will contest since I have to acknowledge the sentiments of my leaders and supporters.”
He also said that he will be actively involved in strengthening the party across the state since the Parliament session has ended. “I will be returning to Shillong on Monday to work out strategies to prepare the groundwork for the 2023 polls,” he added. If Pala decides to contest from Sutnga-Saipung, he will face a challenge from his former party colleague and sitting MLA, Shitlang Pale (now with the AITC).
Decision on suspended MLAs this month
The MPCC chief said that the fate of the five suspended party MLAs – Ampareen Lyngdoh, Mohendro Rapsang, Mayralborn Syiem, PT Sawkmie and Kimfa Marbaniang – will be decided this month.
“We had a meeting but I have been very busy and travelling in and out of Delhi and the (Parliament) session was also there. The high command will give their decision very soon,” he said.
Enquired how soon the decision is expected, he said, “I do not know the exact date but I think it will happen this month.”
To a query whether it will be expulsion or forgiveness with strict action, he said that he has no clue about it and the decision will be made know as and when it is made.
