SHILLONG, Jan 15: The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) remains undecided about fielding candidates for four Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) constituencies, including three Shillong urban constituencies, in the upcoming district council elections scheduled for February 21.
The constituencies in question are Mawlai, Laban-Mawprem, Jaiaw and Nongkrem.
NPP state working president, Hamletson Dohling, on Wednesday informed that the party has yet to receive proposals from the block committees of these constituencies regarding potential candidates.
“We have not made a final decision on whether to field candidates in these four constituencies. We are still waiting response from the block committees,” Dohling said.
Earlier, the NPP leadership directed the reconstitution of the block committee in Mawlai following a setback caused by its sitting MDC, Teibor Pathaw, leaving the party.
Dohling confirmed that party leaders in Mawlai have been instructed to reorganise the block committee.
While acknowledging that Pathaw’s decision to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming KHADC polls is a setback, Dohling said the NPP would decide on fielding a candidate for Mawlai only after the block committee’s reconstitution.
Dohling also clarified that the party has not decided to support Nongkrem sitting MDC Lambor Malngiang, who is contesting as an independent.
“No recommendations have been received from the block committee regarding potential candidates for Nongkrem,” he added.