By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 19: The Opposition Congress is banking on a blend of seasoned leaders and fresh young talent to secure victory in the upcoming Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections. On Thursday, the party released its first list of candidates, comprising 15 names for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and 11 for the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
Speaking about the announcement, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Vincent H Pala said, “Today, we held a meeting of the Pradesh Election Committee (PEC) and finalised 15 candidates for the KHADC and 11 for the JHADC. The list has been approved by the respective blocks, districts, and the PEC.”
Pala also confirmed that the party would release its next list of candidates in early January. “In constituencies where there are multiple aspirants, we will reach a consensus soon. By the first week of January, the final list will be announced,” he said.
Highlighting the party’s strategy, Pala remarked, “Our candidate list reflects a mix of experience and fresh ideas. It includes former MDCs, sitting MDCs, and young, dynamic individuals. We believe this balance will position us strongly in the polls.”
When asked about the delay in announcing the candidates, Pala explained, “We invited applications late because we wanted to finalise candidates only after the election dates were declared. We were also waiting to see if the proposed amendments to the Sixth Schedule would be tabled in Parliament. Once it became clear that the BJP government was not moving forward with the bill, we proceeded with our candidate selection.”
Pala further commented on the BJP’s inaction, saying, “The BJP’s decision to withhold the bill prompted us to withdraw from the Council. Despite our hard work, the future of the Sixth Schedule amendment lies with the BJP government. We hope the people understand this context.”
Discussing Congress’s preparedness for the elections, Pala said, “We have been training all probable candidates, block presidents, and district presidents to equip them with a thorough understanding of the district council’s functions. I am confident that Congress will perform better than other parties in these elections.”
The 11 candidates contesting the JHADC elections include Grimlang Dkhar (Narpuh), Jona Rynjah (Moodymmai-Nongkhroh), Romeo Lyngdoh (War Central), Madonbai Rymbai (Amwi-Khliehtyrchi), Pyrkhatbha Pyrphet (Mynsngat-Khanduli), Banikas Laban (Barato-Mukroh), Rikut Parien (Saphai-Sahsniang), Welpard Suchiang (Raliang), J Treilang Suchiang (Shangpung), Yooniki Phawa (Muthlong-Sohkynphor), and Siril Suja (Sutnga-Nongkhlieh). The 15 candidates for the KHADC elections are Dominic Mynsong (Mawhati), Rocky A Marwein (Umsning), Jonathan Syiem (Sohryngkham), Hilarius Warbah (Mawkynrew), Astarland Khyllep (Shella), Banphiralang Basaiawmoit (Mylliem), Alan Kharkongor (Nongthymmai), Manuel Badwar (Laitumkhrah-Malki), Pynshngainlang Syiem (Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah), Gerald Shullai (Jaiaw-Mawprem), Wanseng Jyrwa (Mawlai), Nathaniel Rymmai (Nongspung-Sohiong), Lawanpynshngain War (Mairang-Nongkhlaw), Bormanding Nonglang (Rambrai Jyrngam), and Medal Sing Lyngdoh (Mawkyrwat).