By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Old rivalry between two stalwarts of the state politics — HDR Lyngdoh (Congress) and John Anthony Lyngdoh (UDP) — has certainly resurfaced with both planning to field their ‘own’ candidates to ensure their respective rivals’ defeat in the Assembly elections due in 2013.
Interestingly, both are members of the Congress-led MUA government.
HDR Lyngdoh will be contesting from Sohiong, while JA Lyngdoh will be seeking re-election from Nongspung.
It is believed that Brestone Kharphuli, who will be fielded by five political parties from Sohiong to take on the Home Minister, is a close associate Nongspung UDP legislator.
On the other hand, Congress ticket aspirant for Nongspung constituency– Kennedy Khyriem – is man from HDR Lyngdoh’s camp.
Sources close to both Lyngdohs have revealed that two ministers were trying to repeat what they had done in the 1998 Assembly election.
“Both the Ministers lost in 1998 Assembly election as they were engrossed in ensuring their rivals’ defeat instead of campaigning for their own cause. This time also they are doing the same thing,” sources said here on Monday.
“It will not be a surprise if both are defeated in the 2013 Assembly elections,” sources said.
“Signs of desperation are evident in two Ministers since they know that it would not be a smooth sail this time for both of them, sources said, adding “The recent emotional speech made by the Congress legislator while addressing his supporters at Sohiong only proves this fact”.
While speaking to his supporters, HDR Lyngdoh downplayed the attempt by five political parties to put up a common candidate against him while alleging that former Sohiong UDP legislator RA Lyngdoh was hatching a conspiracy against him.
According to sources close to the Minister, the allegation made by the Nongspung (Contd on P-10) UDP legislator against PWD Minister on the transfer of section officer Karlenstar Kurbah is a strong indication that all is not well between the two Cabinet Ministers.
