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Shillong Lok Sabha seat: List of contenders for UDP ticket grows

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By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Oct 2: Ticket seekers willing to contest next year’s Lok Sabha elections from the Shillong seat on the ticket of United Democratic Party (UDP) are not limited to the Metbah Lyngdoh-headed party.
Hynniewtrep Youth Council president Robertjune Kharjahrin and Khasi Authors’ Society president DRL Nonglait are two non-UDP aspirants, party sources said on Monday.
The contenders from UDP are Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh, party general secretary Jemino Mawthoh, vice president PT Sawkmie and former Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Chief Executive Member Titosstarwell Chyne.
The sources said the party’s top leadership is trying to reach out to leaders at the grassroots-level and that consultations are being held at the district as well as constituency-level.
“As of now, no decision has been reached (on the candidate) due to diverse opinions among the party’s rank and file,” a party source said.
While a section in the party feels that a veteran political leader should be considered, another section feels that a new face with political background should be fielded, the source added.
Meanwhile, Sawkmie, who is a former MLA, told reporters that he is ready to contest from Shillong if there is an offer from the party. He said he has served as a public representative for the past 30 years.
“I am still very keen to serve the people. I understand that there are many ticket aspirants. But I will be very grateful if the party gives me the opportunity,” Sawkmie said.
At the same time, he assured that if he is not fielded, he will still extend his support to whosoever  is the party candidate in the seat.
The UDP is faced with the problem of plenty. Mawthoh, however, does not see it as a problem.
“Plenty is not a problem. If there is no candidate, then that is a problem. When we have plenty, it means we have the options. The UDP will decide on the best option,” Mawthoh said.
He was upbeat about the party’s poll prospects.
“We are the oldest as well as the biggest regional party in the state with a strong foothold in Khasi-Jaintia Hills. Any candidate we put up will be a strong contender,” he said.
He added that the UDP will seek the support of regional parties including Hill State People’s Democratic Party and formulate the best strategy and approach for the elections.

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