This is just the beginning; many more will come: Pala
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 7: The Congress in the state has got emboldened after over 200 workers of National People’s Party, Trinamool Congress (TMC) and United Democratic Party from West Shillong constituency joined it on Thursday.
The Congress claimed this is just the beginning and many more from across the state will join its fold.
“It is good news as many people from Shillong West constituency have joined us. With the district council elections not far off, many of them are also ready to fight the polls,” state Congress chief Vincent H Pala told journalists.
He said the Congress is supposed to contest in 29 seats in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council elections and it has already got 25 candidates. He said the party has got more than two candidates in some seats.
Some of those who joined the Congress worked closely with West Shillong legislator Paul Lyngdoh.
Asked about it, Pala said, “I don’t know who are with Paul and who are with Rapsang. Those who have come on board are from different political parties.”
He claimed that some TMC leaders from Nongthymmai were supposed to join on Thursday but as the Mamata Banerjee-led party is contesting the by-elections to the Gambegre Assembly seat, they have decided to join after the polls.
Pala also claimed that many others, including former MLAs and MDCs, will join the Congress in Ri-Bhoi district, Garo Hills and other places.
He said after visiting Gambegre, he felt the Congress has further strengthened its position in the constituency and is poised to retain the seat.
“At the beginning, people said we are placed at Number 3. When I meet them now, they say we have moved up to the Number 1 position. I think we have a good chance to win the seat,” Pala said, adding, “There are new faces, new energy and new innovations in the Congress”.
He said the Congress has a website and people can join the party online from anywhere.