MAWKYRWAT, Feb 3: In a move that is expected to cause a political shift, former Assembly Speaker and senior politician MM Danggo, who maintained a prolonged period of silence since losing the 2023 Assembly election to UDP’s Pius Marwein, has openly declared his support for Congress candidate Pherdonnam Rngaid, who is contesting the upcoming KHADC elections from Langrin constituency, South West Khasi Hills.
Danggo made the declaration on Monday as he accompanied Rngaid while he was filing his nomination at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Mawkyrwat. Also present were ex-MDC of Langrin constituency and former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of KHADC, Manstudy Nongrem, president of the South West Khasi Hills District Congress Committee (DCC), Kynpham V Kharlyngdoh among others.
Speaking to media persons, Danggo said, “After I left the BJP, till now I have not decided to join any political parties and I have also not joined the Congress. However, along with my followers, I have decided to support this young man because I saw within him the heart and responsibility of serving our constituency. As an ex-MLA, I encourage him to move forward and I will fully support him”.
In the last few weeks, the NPP gained momentum in Langrin after many supporters of Danggo joined the party. They even accompanied NPP candidate, Mandilost Nongbri, while filing his nomination papers on January 31. This led to speculation that five-time MLA Danggo might follow suit and join the NPP.
President of the South West Khasi Hills DCC, Kynpham V Kharlyngdoh expressed happiness with Danggo’s decision to support the Congress candidate. He said that the Congress would also welcome Danggo with open arms should he decide to join the grand-old party.
Kharlyngdoh added the development concerning Danggo will cause a political shift in Langrin constituency in the run-up to the polls. “…there will be big changes in Langrin constituency which we did not expect,” he remarked.
Others who also filed their nomination on the day are Congress candidate from Mawkyrwat constituency, Medalsing Lyngdoh, KHNAM candidate from Mawkyrwat, Baristar Paul Thyrniang and BJP candidate from Langrin, Lewis Janong Sooting.
