SHILLONG, Jan 21: Most of the state’s political parties, barring the BJP and the TMC, are getting ready for the next Lok Sabha elections. While many of them have already announced their candidatures and are rapidly approaching the start of their intensive campaigns, the TMC and the BJP have not even held formal meetings with their high command yet.
Given that neither party has ever experienced success in the MP elections, could this apathy be a sign that they are giving up on the battle before it even begins, or could it simply be the way the parties operate? Though opinions may differ, the two parties are far behind based on the current state of the Lok Sabha elections in the state.
While a few names are making the rounds for the BJP as potential candidates for the two seats, the party’s upper echelons in the state insist that it is up to the party high command to make the final decision.
BJP MLA, Sanbor Shullai had previously advocated that the candidates for the Lok Sabha be announced on time since it is important to represent multiple constituencies rather than just one.
The situation in the State TMC camp is more depressing, and if reports are to be believed, there is a lack of clarity and frequent disruptions in the lines of communication between the State TMC, their high command, and even between their two leaders — Mukul Sangma and Charles Pyngrope. This further confuses the party’s grassroots members.
Last but not least, as part of the India bloc, the TMC and the Congress are negotiating seats to select a common candidate. The TMC is aiming for the Tura Lok Sabha seat, leaving the Shillong seat for the State Congress.
