Following the decision by former Sohiong MLA, H D R Lyngdoh to no longer contest the 2023 Assembly elections from Congress, the party is likely to allot the ticket to a political newbie.
It may be mentioned that the former minister and Congress heavyweight has decided to join UDP to contest the 2023 polls.
His decision came after a meeting of members and leaders from 40 primary units of Congress in Sohiong constituency held on June 4.
Stating that the Congress’ prospect in the upcoming elections is not very bright, the meeting took a unanimous decision to join the UDP. The meeting also asked Lyngdoh to switch over to UDP.
Lyngdoh who had represented Sohiong for five terms (1988, 1993, 2003, 2008 and 2013) lost the 2018 polls to Samlin Malngiang of HSPDP by a thin margin.
Meanwhile, left with no alternative, the Congress is now planning to field Osborne Kharjana as its candidate from Sohiong.
Kharjana, a serving superintendent of Customs Department, is set to retire soon from service.
He had earlier sought UDP ticket to contest the 2023 polls. Now that Lyngdoh has made up his mind to apply for the UDP ticket, Kharjana is likely to move over to the Congress.
It may be mentioned that Kharjana, a resident of Mawmaram village, is the son of former Sohiong MLA, Nit Shabong who won the seat in 1983 on Congress ticket.
