Dynasty politics is yet to end in Meghalaya with a number of kith and kin in the fray for the upcoming Assembly elections.
The Sangmas and the Dhars who follow dynasty politics are fighting this election to hold on to power in their respective regions and parties.
With their strongholds in Garo Hills region, the Kongkal Sangmas who included NPP president Conrad and elder brother James and uncle Thomas are contesting from South Tura, Dadenggre and North Tura respectively.
The Manda Sangmas who include Mukul, his wife Dikkanchi, daughter Miani, Mukul’s brother Zenith and his wife Sadhiarani are also in the fray as Trinamool Congress candidates.
The rich Dhar family is contesting in Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi on NPP ticket. While Sniawbhalang Dhar is seeking re-election from Wahiajer, his brother-in-law Wailadmiki Shylla is contesting from Jowai.
Dasakhiatbha Lamare who is the son of Sniawbhalang’s brother Ngaitlang Dhar is contesting from Nongkrem while Dasakhiatbha’s elder brother Damabait is making a political debut from Umroi.
Similarly, the Hek family has joined the political bandwagon although from different parties. BJP leader and former minister Alexander Laloo Hek is contesting against his own nephew Rocky Hek of NPP from Pynthorumkhrah constituency.
Two siblings from the ruling NPP, Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh and her sister Jasmine Mary Lyngdoh, are fighting from East Shillong and Nongthymmai constituencies respectively.
Meanwhile, 13 political parties including four having a national status — the BJP, Congress, NPP and the Trinamool Congress — are contesting the upcoming Assembly elections in the State.
The BJP and the Congress have put up 60 candidates each, while the main opposition Trinamool Congress has nominated 56 candidates.
The NPP has fielded 57 candidates, UDP 46, HSPDP 11, People’s Democratic Front 9, Gana Suraksha Party one, Garo National Council two, Janata Dal (United) three, Republican Party of India two, Republican Party of India (Athawale) six and Voice of the People Party 18.
In all 44 independent candidates are also contesting the elections.
Except Mawphlang MLA Eugeneson Lyngdoh, altogether 59 sitting MLAs are seeking re-election.
