From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Dec 9: As the elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) draw closer, former leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) from Umroi constituency have launched the Umroi Constituency Progressive Forum (UCPF), aiming to field an independent candidate for the polls next year.
The forum comprises key figures, including former Umroi MLA George B. Lyngdoh, along with Pynskhemlang Sohtun (president), MD Syiem (working president), Fosterbest Sohiong (general secretary), Kerbhalang Shylla (treasurer), and other office-bearers and members.
Speaking to the media persons, Sohtun shared that after George B. Lyngdoh’s defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections, the team conducted extensive consultations with leaders and supporters across the constituency.
These discussions, the forum president continued, revealed public dissatisfaction with the TMC, a relatively new party in the region, as a major reason for their loss.
Sohtun highlighted Lyngdoh’s efforts as an MLA to address the constituency’s challenges but noted that the voters’ reluctance to embrace TMC prompted the team to reassess their political strategy.
Following recommendations from constituents, they decided to part ways with the TMC and establish the forum to continue working for the community’s development.
Despite the political setback in 2023, Sohtun affirmed that the forum remains committed to the region’s progress.
It is pertinent to note that the forum has already formed an Election Committee to prepare for the 2025 ADC elections, with the candidate’s name set to be announced in early January 2025.
Meanwhile, the former MLA, referring to his resignation from the TMC, said he took the step, taking responsibility for the electoral defeat.
Lyngdoh also expressed gratitude to the people of Umroi for their unwavering support during the Assembly elections and emphasised that the experience serves as motivation to continue striving for the constituency’s growth.
Lyngdoh revealed that consultations with constituents encouraged the decision to field an independent candidate under the UCPF’s banner.
The forum, he said, aims to work autonomously to focus on diverse developmental areas.
He then appealed to the supporters and well-wishers to extend their support to the forum’s candidate, whose announcement is eagerly awaited, so as to help achieve them vision of advancing Umroi constituency.