SHILLONG: The BJP is keen to contest the Shella by-election with several aspiring candidates eyeing the party ticket.
Speaking to a section of reporters on Friday, the state president, Shibun Lyngdoh, said the party has written to Nalin Kohli, the BJP in-charge of the state, and the party’s North East Zonal Organising Secretary, Ajay Jamwal, seeking permission to contest the bypoll.
He said that three-four prospective candidates have asked for the party ticket.
Stating that the BJP did not get the opportunity to contest the by- elections in Selsella, Ampati and Ranikor, he said that contesting elections will serve as a morale booster for the party. “We should take part in any election, so that the cadres will get motivated,” Lyngdoh said.
Shella constituency is known to be a stronghold of the United Democratic Party (UDP). The seat fell vacant following the demise of Donkupar Roy, who had been elected for five consecutive terms.
His son, Balajiedkupar Synrem, is the UDP’s candidate for the by-poll. The UDP has appealed to the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition partners to support Synrem.
On the other hand, the NPP East Khasi Hills District Committee has also requested the state leadership to put up a candidate of the party. BJP and UDP are partners in the MDA coalition led by the NPP.
