SHILLONG, Feb 20: The South Shillong constituency appears to be divided into those who seek change and those who are content with status quo. Invariably, the constituency-centric issues are going to determine voters’ choice.
When this reporter approached for their views, many voters chose to remain anonymous or simply refused to speak.
“Drug abuse is a major problem in our constituency. We are facing a water crisis and there are livelihood issues,” said a voter who wanted to be anonymous.
“We want to elect someone who can raise our issues in the Assembly and not just sit there doing nothing of significance,” he said, hoping to have a representative giving shape to the aspirations of the indigenous people.
Most people at the Iewdak market declined to speak. Others agreed to give their opinions on the condition that their names and photos should not be exposed.
“We do not want to face the ire of candidates who lose,” a woman said.
She highlighted the hardship faced by traders who run small shops across the constituency. “We had to take a loan from a bank to pay the electricity bill of Rs 28,000 for the four months our shop was closed during the COVID phase,” she said.
She also hoped the constituency’s new representative would help reduce the “steep” licence renewal fee of about Rs 30,000 charged by the KHADC and periodic extortion by some group or the other.
“The current MLA (Sanbor Shullai of the BJP) expressed his helplessness when some of us met him for sorting out the trade licence renewal fee,” another woman said.
“Many are saying they won’t vote because the MLA hardly did anything for us,” she said.
Not all agree with her, though.
“Apart from the shortage of water, I don’t think anything is amiss in Laban where peace has reigned,” Samarjit Deb, a shopkeeper said. He gave a thumbs up to Shullai.
Gareth Roy Nongrum, who runs a café, flagged the water problem too. “I have to buy water for Rs 350 four-five times a week, and that pinches,” he said.
M. Dohtdong, a local resident said Shullai lived 70% up to expectations. “He is a friendly, approachable person and I am sure the problems that remain will be taken care of,” he added.
For the young Lezina Shangpliang, the issues of unemployment and drug abuse should be addressed by the next MLA of South Shillong. On the other hand, Deepannita Choudhury wants a better drainage system, better roads and streetlights.
Checking drug addiction, providing streetlights and ensuring security would make the residents of the constituency feel safer, said S. Bhattacharya.
While J. Langstieh would like the elected representative to visit the constituency more often to assess the people’s needs, S. Thongni advocated the need for setting up of vocational training centres for increasing the employability of the local youths.
“Upgraded skills could help generate self-employment as government jobs are difficult to get these days,” Thongni said.
Anas Qureshi, a first-time voter, said the constituency could do with more playgrounds and recreational centres. “Areas such as Jhalupara need attention to the high-tension wires hanging low,” he said.
The Rangbah Shnongs and members of the Dorbars gave their views too.
Edward Kharwanlang, the Rangbah Shnong of the Laban Dorbar sought better civic amenities such as water and road. He said Laban needs to be included in the areas under the Shillong Smart City project so that the Rangbah Shnong is saved the trouble of repairing streetlights. He underlined stray dogs as a major problem in the area.
Kyrsoi Bok Nongbri, the Rangbah Shnong of Lumshatsngi-Kench’s Trace Dorbar said the area needs better security to check criminal activities. He, however, praised Shullai for undertaking several initiatives such as getting a new market and a new dorbar hall built.
Electioneering has been rather low key. The families cacophony is missing, so also the associated fervour. Door to door canvassing, street corner meetings backed by peppy songs are the common campaign activities.
Shullai, seeking election to the legislature for the third time, has already declared a cake walk victory for him. He seems to back himself to cash in on BJP sympathy among a large chunk of voters.
His rivals are harping on value based politics and accountability which, according to one of them, is one of weak points of Shullai.
It remains to be seen whether any of his four challengers — Venetia Pearl Mawlong of Congress, Ian Andrew Lyngdoh Nongkynrih of TMC, Danny Langstieh of VPP, and Angela G. Rangad of KAM Meghalaya — will be able to cause any upset.
