By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 3: The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance-II (MDA-II) has decided not to adopt a common strategy for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, even as it closed ranks behind a single nominee (James P.K. Sangma) for the Rajya Sabha.
Leaders of the alliance’s parliamentary parties met on Wednesday and unanimously agreed that constituent parties would be free to contest the bypoll, support a candidate, remain neutral, or stay away. The resolution respected the individual choices of member parties rather than imposing a coalition line.
MDA-II parliamentary party secretary and West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh said the meeting focused mainly on the Rajya Sabha election but also discussed the Shillong by-election.
Coalition leaders clarified that no MDA-II whip would be issued for either contest; any directive would come from individual parties instructing their legislators to support the alliance-backed Rajya Sabha nominee.
While the alliance displayed unity over the Rajya Sabha seat, its decision to let partners take independent positions on the Shillong by-election highlights differing political calculations and leaves open the possibility of a multi-cornered fight in one of the state’s most closely watched electoral contests.
The battle lines have already been drawn with four contenders in the fray. The VPP has pinned its hopes on Batskhem Myrboh to defend the hard-won constituency, while the ruling NPP retaliated by fielding D.R.L. Nonglait.
The UDP introduced a wild card into the regional dynamics by launching senior advocate Vivan G.K. Kynta into his first-ever electoral battle, while the Congress fell back on veteran political heavyweight and former MP, Vincent H. Pala, aiming to reclaim their traditional stronghold.
With the BJP waiting in the wings to name its own candidate, Shillong is set for a tense and defining political showdown.
