UDP’s Synsharlang Kupar Lyngdoh will compete with his cousin, Nathaniel Rymmai of Congress, adding a personal dynamic to the political battle. Lyngdoh is former Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh’s nephew, while Rymmai is his son
SHILLONG, Jan 12: The Nongspung-Sohiong constituency is set to witness a high-profile contest, one with a twist of cousins’ clash as well, in the upcoming KHADC elections, scheduled for February 21.
The National People’s Party (NPP) has fielded former MLA and MDC Samlin Malngiang as its candidate after party’s sitting MDC, Sherborlang Mawlong, decided not to seek re-election.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has nominated its sitting MLA, Synsharlang Kupar Lyngdoh, while the Congress has awarded its ticket to Nathaniel Rymmai, son of former Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh. The Voice of the People Party (VPP), meanwhile, has chosen Banpyrkhat Nongrang to represent the constituency. Interestingly, the Sohiong contest is a familial affair, with the UDP candidate being the nephew of the late HDR Lyngdoh. Moreover, Rymmai and Lyngdoh are cousins, adding a personal dynamic to the political battle.
This is not Nathaniel Rymmai’s first election. He previously contested the 2016 by-election for the Nongspung-Sohiong seat but lost to Samlin Malngiang. That election was held following HDR Lyngdoh’s resignation due to the Prevention of Disqualification (Member of Legislative Assembly Meghalaya) (Amendment) Act, 2015. This Act, introduced by former Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma, prevents individuals from holding multiple elected offices simultaneously.
In 2016, the Act led to the resignation of seven legislators from their MDC posts in the KHADC and JHADC.
However, the Supreme Court, on January 30, 2017, upheld the High Court of Meghalaya’s decision allowing MLAs to simultaneously hold the post of MDCs, ruling that it does not constitute an “office of profit.” This decision vindicated the stance of the then KHADC chief, PN Syiem, who continued to serve as both MLA and MDC. Regarding the seven other MLAs who had resigned from their MDC posts earlier, the Supreme Court did not address their cases as Syiem remained the focal point of the ruling.
Cong ticket conundrum
Amid these developments, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Vincent H Pala has addressed claims made by Sohiong Block Congress Committee (SBCC) president Osborne Kharjana, who stated that he was the sole applicant for the party ticket. Pala refuted this, asserting that Nathaniel Rymmai had also applied. “It is not true that Kharjana was the only one to apply,” Pala said. He accused Kharjana of obstructing Rymmai’s efforts to join the party. “Rymmai tried to meet the SBCC president on several occasions, but Kharjana avoided him,” he claimed.
Pala clarified that individuals unable to join through block committees could apply directly to the MPCC or District Congress Committee (DCC). “Rymmai joined through the district committee, which then forwarded the application to us. So, the claim that Kharjana was the sole applicant is incorrect,” he explained.
While acknowledging Kharjana’s loyalty to the Congress, Pala highlighted Rymmai’s credentials. “He was a former Youth Congress leader, and his late father was a Congressman for nearly two decades. Based on reports from the DCC and observers, we believe Rymmai has a better chance of winning. Winnability is our top priority when allotting tickets,” he said.
Pala added that, on a personal level, Kharjana remains a dear friend and has the right to express disappointment over not receiving the ticket. However, he emphasised the need to prioritise party interests over individual preferences.
“We cannot let personal interests override the party’s goals. With 14 members in the election committee, the consensus was that the ticket should go to Rymmai,” Pala concluded.