SHILLONG: The central election committee of KHNAM is hoping for a regional coalition government in the State after the 2018 elections. Speaking to The Shillong Times, KHNAM working president Adelbert Nongrum said it is high time for regional parties to unite as it will infuse confidence in people.
He hoped for a government in Meghalaya without the Congress or BJP.
Commenting on whether the state is ready for a non-Congress government, the KHNAM leader said, “Definitely but there will be different political parties. We do hope it will be among us and not a Congress or BJP government.”
Nongrum, however, said KHNAM was kept away from the pre-poll alliance, “which has no clear motive”.
The party is likely to contest from all the 60 constituencies “if there are able candidates”.
Nongrum said the party has received names of aspiring candidates, who include Zakhary Shadap from Mawhati constituency and Ymlahklet Khonglah from Sohryngkham constituency.
“The list is not finalised as the aspirants will be screened.” The party has started its groundwork and appointed conveners in three districts. In East Khasi Hills, the district conveners are Iengskhem Diengdoh and Edarstar Nongbri.
The names of the candidates will be announced later by the election committee of the party.
KHNAM put up a poor show in the 2013 elections when it fielded only four candidates. The working president blamed voters’ “confusion” for the debacle.
“The last election was all about retention of KHNAM and not exactly fighting elections. People were confused as the former president of KHNAM, Paul Lyngdoh, dissolved the party,” he said. “This time if there are people who abide by the ideology of KHNAM and have the winnability factor then we will go ahead and field the candidate,” he added. Referring to the current political scenario, he hoped that people will opt for KHNAM as “people are confused”.
