SHILLONG, Feb 19: The TMC might contest both the Lok Sabha seats in the state. It is nonetheless open to collaboration with the India bloc partners in one of the seats.
“The parties in India bloc are still trying to find out if there will be any more adjustments in any of the states,” said TMC leader Mukul Sangma.
“If this kind of decision gives fusion to the intent of the India bloc, then let us look at the two seats. We are open to collaborating with the partners in one of the seats, and in one seat we will definitely contest”.
“We may contest in two seats. It all depends on how the discussion unfolds.
It is not final as the decision has to be taken at the particular forum chaired by the chairperson,” he added.
On the selection of candidate, he said, “We are discussing. In fact, some names are already coming in as suggestion.”
Stating that it is more of a consultation amongst the leaders as they have not given any advertisement and are looking at suggestions and advice, he said, “We have not engaged in seeking applications from any aspiring candidates but are in the process of what we felt is appropriate and effective, that is consultation and collecting all suggestions”.
The TMC had earlier proposed the idea of seat-sharing with the Congress but the latter had rejected the idea and proposed the names of its Gambegre MLA, Saleng A Sangma from Tura seat and sitting Lok Sabha member Vincent H Pala from Shillong to the high command for finalisation.
Besides the TMC and the Congress, NPP’s sitting MP from Tura, Agatha Sangma will contest the polls. The BJP, on the other hand, is yet to name its candidate for either of the parliamentary seats.
