Constituency Watch
SHILLONG, Feb 13: The battle for the prestigious Nongkrem constituency is shaping up to be a direct contest between sitting Independent MDC Lambor Malngiang and VPP candidate Kitborlang Syiem.
However, the actual contest in Nongkrem is between Malngiang and VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, who is also the sitting local MLA. Lamborsing Nongrum of the Congress is the third candidate in the fray.
For Basaiawmoit, securing Nongkrem is a matter of prestige, and losing the constituency would be seen as a major setback for his party.
On Thursday evening, he campaigned in his constituency for the first time to rally support for the VPP candidate. The election meeting, held in Nongkrem, also saw the participation of VPP’s Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon.
Over the past few months, Basaiawmoit has been focused on campaigning for VPP candidates contesting the upcoming KHADC and JHADC polls across Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Political observers believe he must ensure that anti-incumbency sentiments do not affect his party’s prospects.
Many voters allege that the sitting MLA has failed to address key grievances in several villages under the constituency over the past two years. A major concern is the MLA’s inaction regarding requests to repair the road leading to Nongkrem, especially with the KJP Synod annual meeting scheduled for February 28.
It is also alleged that the VPP is advising traditional heads and church members to directly approach government officials regarding road repairs and developmental projects rather than intervening on their behalf.
One challenge for the VPP in this election is that key areas such as Pomlakrai, Mawpynthih, and Umiew — once strongholds for Basaiawmoit in the 2023 Assembly polls — do not fall under Nongkrem in the MDC election. This could weaken his influence in the constituency.
Meanwhile, voters acknowledge that VPP’s Kitborlang Syiem is a well-mannered youth from the royal family of Hima Khyrim.
However, some feel he is politically inexperienced and lacks strong leadership qualities. Basaiawmoit chose him for the contest, given their long-standing association.
On the other hand, Malngiang is looking to regain his position in the constituency after losing to Basaiawmoit in the 2023 Assembly polls. Basaiawmoit had secured 13,286 votes, defeating Malngiang by 4,187 votes.
Malngiang, who contested on a UDP ticket, received 9,099 votes.
Two key factors contributed to Malngiang’s defeat in 2023 — the VPP wave and former Mawhati MLA and ex-Cabinet minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare’s decision to contest from Nongkrem. Lamare secured 7,491 votes, significantly cutting into Malngiang’s strongholds, including Madanriting, Nongkrem, and Smit. It may however be noted that Madanriting now falls under Nongthymmai in the MDC election.
Malngiang is hoping to reclaim his influence in areas like Laitkor, Nongkrem, and Smit to secure a win. In the 2023 Assembly polls, Basaiawmoit had garnered the majority of votes from Laitkor.
Political observers note that this contest is different from the Assembly polls, as only two strong contenders remain. However, it is still too early to determine who has the upper hand in this high-profile race.
Notably, the NPP has not fielded a candidate in Nongkrem, though there are unconfirmed reports that the party is backing Malngiang. NPP working president Hamleston Dohling, however, denied these claims. “We did not field a candidate because we did not receive any proposal from the party unit,” he stated.
Malngiang’s hopes rest on the possibility that the VPP will not dominate this election as it did in the Lok Sabha polls. Out of 28,894 votes cast in Nongkrem during the Lok Sabha elections, VPP secured 17,955.
For the upcoming election, a total of 23,721 voters will cast their ballots across 37 polling stations in Nongkrem. This includes 12,607 female voters and 11,114 male voters.