SHILLONG, Feb 6: With promises of better governance and development as the core issue, as many as 176 party heavyweights, independents and first-timers filed their nominations across the state on Monday accompanied by high-pitch sloganeering and show of strength.
Meghalaya TMC chief Charles Pyngrope, Opposition leader Mukul Sangma, TMC MLA Dikkanchi D Shira, UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh, UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh, PDF leader Banteidor Lyngdoh, Meghalaya BJP chief Ernest Mawrie, BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang, BJP MLA Sanbor Shullai, NPP stalwart James PK Sangma, former GNLA chairman Champion R Sangma, veteran leader Bindo M Lanong and BJP’s Martin M Danggo, were among prominent candidates who filed their nominations in front of their respective returning officers on Monday.
In East Garo Hills, a total of 11 candidates filed their nominations. There were three candidates each from the BJP, Congress and TMC, one from the JD-U and one independent.
In West Khasi Hills, nine candidates filed their nomination papers on Monday. They included Sanjied Kynsai Shangrit from HSPDP, Bobby Kharshandi from VPP and Diostarness Jymdiang from BJP (all from Nongstoin); Methodios Dkhar from HSPDP, Andrew Charles Gare from Congress and Justin G Momin from TMC (Mawshynrut) and KP Pangniang from HSPDP and independent candidates Francis Pondit R Sangma and Sillash M Sangma (Rambrai-Jyrngam).
In South West Khasi Hills, Martin M Danggo of the BJP filed his nomination papers before the returning officer of Ranikor constituency at the office of the DC, Mawkyrwat.
In Ri-Bhoi, ten more candidates from various political parties filed their nomination papers before their respective returning officers at the office of the DC, Nongpoh, on Monday. There were four UDP candidates — Mayralborn Syiem (Nongpoh), Baiahunlang Makdoh (Mawhati), Sunshine Makri (Umsning) and Badhok Nongmalieh (Jirang); three from the BJP — Evarist Myrsing (Mawhati), Shanbor Ramde (Umroi) and Duruth Majaw (Umsning); PDF candidates Evalyne Kharbani (Mawhati) and Baiateiang Lapang (Umroi) and independent candidate Osbert B Rynjah (Mawhati).
Eight candidates filed their nomination for the three assembly constituencies in South West Garo Hills District. The list includes NPP’s Ian Botham K Sangma (Salmanpara) and Sanjay A Sangma (Mahendraganj); BJP candidates Tingku N Marak (Mahendraganj), Premananda Koch (Ampati) and Boston Marak (Salmanpara); TMC candidates Dikkanchi D Shira (Mahendraganj) and Winnerson D Sangma (Salmanpara) and UDP’s Ronald Rikman Sangma (Salmanpara).
