SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has dismissed the idea of PN Syiem to project himself as a common candidate and instead has decided to throw its weight behind its candidate, Pius Marwein as a common candidate for the upcoming Ranikor by poll.
Talking to media persons after the meeting of the UDP here on Wednesday, party leader, Jemino Mawthoh said that Pius Marwein has better chances of winning the elections as he lost the last elections by a small margin.
Asserting that Marwein has better chances of winning the elections, Mawthoh added that it would be difficult for PN Syiem to contest the elections because of the time factor since Ranikoris a big constituency that would make it difficult for him to cover all the villages in the constituency
While asking the PDF chief to support UDP candidate in the elections, he said that the party might have some considerations with regards to the MDC elections next year and they could come to an understanding of working together in the MDC elections
Claiming that the UDP candidate is getting the support of leaders from different political parties like BJP, NPP and Congress, he said that the party felt that it would be better if party candidate Marwein could contest the election as a common candidate
He also said that a large number of disgruntled Congress supporters were inclined towards UDP though the party had not received any official intimation from the Congress about supporting the UDP candidate in the elections.
It may be mentioned that former KHADC CEM and chief of People’s Democratic Front, PN Syiem has more or less decided to contest the upcoming Ranikor by-poll.
Meanwhile, Mawthoh also downplayed any fears of political rumblings within the MDA Government following its decision to put up a candidate against the NPP in Ranikor elections though UDP is a part of the NPP-led ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA).
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