M’laya BJP toils to finalise candidates

SHILLONG, Jan 14: Most political parties in the state have more or less announced the names of their candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections but the BJP is finding it tough to finalise its candidates in several constituencies.
It is likely to declare the names of some candidates by next week. Party sources said there are multiple aspirants in at least four constituencies and the party is struggling to pick one.
In the Dalu seat, there are two aspirants – Akki Sangma and Moromi K Marak. Marak may have the last laugh. In the North Shillong seat, “rivals” Mariahom Kharkrang and Michael Kharsyntiew are trying their best to get the ticket. Party sources said Kharkrang has an edge over Kharsyntiew. The assessment in both seats was based on an “internal independent survey.”
In the Tikrikilla seat, sitting MDC Dormonath Sangma and Rahinath Barchung are the two BJP ticket aspirants. In the Mahendraganj seat, BJP vice president Bernard Marak’s younger brother Tinku Marak and Bakul Hajong are seeking to contest on the BJP’s ticket.
The ticket aspirants across constituencies are pressuring the BJP’s state and central leadership to expedite the announcement of names of the candidates as the polls are round the corner.
Senior BJP leader AL Hek defended the delay, saying the party has to check if there is any criminal record or allegations against any candidate. He said the party’s Central Election Committee will finalise the candidates next week.