Over two hundred party workers from the NPP, TMC, and UDP in the West Shillong constituency joined the Congress today.
Party leaders indicated that this is just the beginning, with many more expected to join from across the State.
“It is great news that many people from the Shillong West Constituency have joined us. With the upcoming district council elections, many of them are also prepared to contest,” said MPCC Chief Vincent H. Pala told reporters.
“With this new membership, out of the 29 seats we plan to contest, we already have 25 candidates. For the remaining seats, we will need to recruit more, but we are not facing a candidate shortage; in fact, in some areas, we have more than two candidates,” he added.
Pala noted that some of the new members have been closely associated with West Shillong legislator Paul Lyngdoh. However, when asked if this indicated potential developments, he responded, “I don’t know who is close to Paul or who is with Rapsang. Today, the new members are from diverse backgrounds, and there’s no indication that any leaders close to us are joining.”
He mentioned that a group of TMC leaders from Nongthymmai plan to join but postponed their decision due to the TMC contesting the Gambegre by-elections. They intend to join after the elections.
Pala also stated that many more individuals, including former MLAs and MDCs, are expected to join from Ri-Bhoi district, Garo Hills, and other areas.
On the perception that people feel they have no other alternative but to join the Congress or the VPP, he stated, “This is merely a perception, and perceptions can change over time. Politics is dynamic, and we must continue to work hard instead of relying solely on perceptions.”
The MPCC president claimed that the Congress stands a chance to win the Gambegre seat. “Initially, people said we were in third place, but during my recent visits, everyone indicated that we have moved up to the number one spot,” he added.
He stated that the Congress is brimming with new energy, faces, and innovations. “We even have a website now, and people can join us online from anywhere,” he said.
