SHILLONG, Feb 5: The VPP candidate from Mawlai, Eddieson Kharumnuid, has decided to go his own way by skipping the inaugural common platform held at Mawlai Syllaikriah on Wednesday.
Kharumnuid’s decision does not come as a surprise, as the VPP leadership has been openly critical of the Mawlai Town Dorbar’s (MTD) initiative to hold common platforms instead of public meetings for election campaigning in various localities ahead of the KHADC polls.
However, the key question remains: Will the VPP’s defiance of the MTD’s appeal negatively impact Kharumnuid’s electoral prospects?
Earlier, Kharumnuid had welcomed the proposal to hold a common platform but had already indicated that he might not be able to attend all of them. Now, it remains to be seen whether the Dorbar Shnongs, who are part of the MTD, will allow him to participate in future platforms after his absence from the first one. Meanwhile, all five other candidates contesting from Mawlai constituency attended the event organised by the Dorbar Shnong of Mawlai Syllaikriah. This included the three independent candidates — Process T Sawkmie, a former MLA; Teibor Pathaw, the sitting MDC; and Seiborlang L Nonglait.
The MTD had proposed the common platform after residents, particularly parents and the teaching community, voiced concerns that public meetings during the election campaign could disrupt students preparing for their board examinations.
During the platform, all five candidates outlined their agendas and urged the electorate of Mawlai constituency to give them the opportunity to represent them as an MDC in the KHADC.
