LS polls: Candidates, parties shift to election mode

SHILLONG, Feb 18: Given that the Lok Sabha elections are due to be announced at any time, political parties and likely candidates in the state have already begun travelling to various locations to campaign.
Nearly all of the prospective candidates are currently canvassing in their respective constituencies by attending meetings and various programmes.
NPP candidate from Shillong, Ampareen Lyngdoh has been seen at gatherings and events across the Khasi Hills region, as has incumbent Lok Sabha member and Congress’ Shillong candidate, Vincent H Pala.
Even though none of the parties have formally begun their campaigns, contenders like Ricky AJ Syngkon of the VPP and Robertjune Kharjahrin of the UDP are also attending party meetings and rallies.
Agatha Sangma, the incumbent Member of Parliament, has been spotted in Tura attending various state government programmes. Saleng Sangma, the likely candidate for Congress from the Tura seat, has also been attending some meetings.
In a few days, the TMC is expected to reveal its candidate for Tura with sources stating that former minister Zenith Sangma may represent the party in Tura.
Only the BJP and TMC have not yet revealed their candidates for these two seats as of yet.
The PA Sangma family has long maintained its hegemony over the Tura seat, but the Congress party has historically held the Shillong parliamentary seat.