SHILLONG, Feb 9: UDP-NPP show of strength in Sohiong was at a pinnacle on Thursday as supporters in the thousandths attended the rallies of the two candidates — HDR Lyngdoh (UDP) and Samlin Malngiang (NPP), while the UDP candidate let off battle cries denoting confidence of a win in the upcoming polls. The rallies were held at Madan Kseh Bilat, Ryngshken and Weilyngkut.
Addressing the public, UDP’s candidate from Sohiong, HDR Lyngdoh, called out to his opponents to withdraw their nominations stating that he would win the seat for certain. “It will be better for the opponent candidates to join his camp to save their face since even money power will not be able to change the fate of this election,” a confident Lyngdoh said.
Having served the people for 20 years, Lyngdoh said he has observed that the people want him to represent them again. The UDP fired salvos at former HSPDP MLA, Samlin Malngiang, who shifted camp to the NPP, over his decision to defect to the ruling party.
According to UDP leader from Sohiong, Amazing Kurbah, Malngiang’s move has backfired on him as many of the people are unhappy with his decision.
“Samlin your time is over. Now it is the time for HDR Lyngdoh. This is the voice of the people of the constituency,” Kurbah said.
The UDP leader claimed that there is an anti-NPP wave among the electorates in Khasi-Jaintia Hills region. “People are also rejecting TMC. Therefore, the only alternative is to vote for the UDP,” he added, while vouching for regional parties to lead the state.
NPP candidate Malngiang, on the other hand, said joining the NPP was the decision of the people. “I know people are making propaganda on my decision to contest from the NPP. I am confident that even this time I am going to represent the constituency after the elections,” he said.
