By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 6: Congress leader Manuel Badwar on Wednesday ruled himself out of the race for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, stating the party should field a candidate with parliamentary experience given the short remaining tenure of the House.
Addressing speculation regarding his candidature, Badwar said the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has referred the selection of a nominee to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) for a final decision. He noted that only a few names are currently under consideration.
Badwar, who described himself as relatively new to politics, argued that contesting for a term of barely two years is impractical for someone without prior experience in Parliament. He said the role requires a thorough understanding of legislative procedures, and it would be more effective for the party to nominate someone already familiar with the system rather than a newcomer with limited time to adapt.
His remarks come as MPCC president and former MP Vincent H. Pala emerges as the likely choice for the seat. Pala recently admitted he might have little choice but to contest, noting that the party currently lacks alternative candidates.
The Shillong Lok Sabha seat fell vacant following the death of VPP MP Ricky AJ Syngkon on February 19. Syngkon had defeated Pala in the 2024 general elections, dealing the Congress veteran a significant electoral setback.
Following the vacancy, the Congress has initiated internal consultations to identify a candidate, with Pala remaining the central figure in party deliberations.
