By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 24: The dream of a unified MDA candidate for the Shillong parliamentary by-election has evaporated into thin air, as the alliance’s heavyweight partners—NPP and BJP—move toward announcing their respective candidates, a tell tale sign that they are prioritising their own ambitions over collective harmony.
Sources close to the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) revealed on Friday that no substantive talks had ever materialised within the coalition about projecting a single face to challenge the VPP in the bypoll.
Deputy Chief Minister and NPP heavyweight Prestone Tynsong recently outlines his party’s ambitions, declaring that the NPP would go solo in the bypoll, and effectively slamming the door on any pre-poll pact that might dilute its influence.
Meanwhile, the BJP, backed by a green light from its central leadership, is aggressively scouting for a candidate to claim the vacant Shillong seat following the untimely demise of VPP MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon on February 19.
The BJP’s decision to fight alone spotlights the saffron party’s push to embed its saffron footprint deeper into Meghalaya’s tribal heartland.
A twist unfolded when BJP veteran A.L. Hek reportedly offered the party ticket to former Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, only for the seasoned bureaucrat to decline it, insisting that he harboured no desire to dive into politics.
The BJP brass swiftly washed its hands of Hek’s solo gambit, emphasising that he had overstepped without mandate—a move that hints at internal party indiscipline.
Across the alliance table, the UDP remains silent, undecided about whether to field its candidate or throw its weight behind the NPP.
UDP leader Ollan Sin Suin broke his silence on Friday, announcing that the party would huddle shortly to discuss the upcoming bypoll landscape and plot their next move.
Asked about whispers of discord fueling the NPP and BJP’s defiant solo runs, Suin painted a rosy picture, dubbing the MDA a “holy alliance” where every member and party was concerned about the state and its development.
“The MDA is taking care of all of us and we are very comfortable with the MDA,” he said, denying any infighting in the ruling alliance.
Pala ready for contest if party wants
Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Vincent H. Pala threw his hat into the ring on Friday, signaling his readiness to lead the grand old party’s charge if the high command deems him fit for the role. He exuded optimism while asserting that Congress held a winning edge.
Addressing reporters, Pala clarified that no final decision has been taken regarding the party’s candidate and that a consultative process is under way. He informed that the party is expected to hold a meeting before May 10 to finalise its nominee.
“If everyone says that I must contest, then I will definitely do so. However, I personally want to give an opportunity to younger members, as I have already served for 15 years,” Pala said.
Emphasising the Congress’s internal decision-making structure, Pala said the process would involve recommendations from Block, District and State levels before being sent to the party high command in Delhi for approval.
“It is not the president alone who decides. All units must be involved, and we will take a collective decision,” he stated.
