SHILLONG, Aug 9: The trend of members of the district councils (MDCs) using the councils as a launchpad to further their political career is a tried and tested one and the upcoming Assembly elections in 2023 is unlikely to witness any change in this trend.
As many as 18 sitting members of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) are preparing to contest the Assembly polls due in six months.
Topping the list is KHADC Chief Executive Member and Sohra MDC Titosstarwell Chyne who will try his luck from Sohra. He is a former MLA, having represented Sohra constituency from 2013 to 2018. He had lost the election in 2018 to Gavin Miguel Mylliem of the PDF.
There are three UDP MDCs who are set to contest the upcoming election. They include Jaiaw MDC Paul Lyngdoh from West Shillong constituency, Laban-Mawprem MDC Mitchell Wankhar from Mylliem constituency and nominated member Bindo Mathew Lanong from Nongkrem.
The NPP MDCs who are planning to contest the 2023 polls include Nongshken MDC Grace Mary Kharpuri from Shella, Teibor Pathaw from Mawlai, KHADC Deputy Chairman Alvin Sawkmie from Mawsynram and Umsning MDC Macdalyne S Mawlong from Nongpoh constituency.
Among the Congress MDCs, opposition leader Pynshngainlang N Syiem will contest from Pynthorumkhrah, Carnes Sohshang from Mawkyrwat, Gabriel Wahlang from Nongstoin, Charles Marngar from Mawhati and Ronnie V Lyngdoh from Mylliem.
HSPDP’s Martle N Mukhim is likely to contest from Mawkynrew.
Also in the fray will be four MLAs cum MDCs. Lambor Malngiang is set to enter the fray from Nongkrem, Gigur Myrthong will contest from Mawshynrut, Pius Marwein will seek to retain his Ranikor seat while Pyniaid Sing Syiem will fight it out in Mawryngkneng.
