Prior to the preparation and approval of the list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in Meghalaya, Chairman of the Congress Election Screening Committee Gaurav Gogoi along with its members today held a one-to-one meeting with aspiring candidates.
Gogoi was accompanied by Rajasthan Rajya Sabha MP Neeraj Dangi along with Kerala Lok Sabha MP Hibi Eden.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress Bhavan here, Gogoi said that the Congress Election Screening Committee is in the city to meet with candidates for upcoming elections and find out the position on ground.
“We are trying to assess the strength of the organisation, the mood of the people, what the candidates are thinking and in the days to come how AICC can support them and their campaign,” Gogoi said.
He added that the committee was optimistic with the response that it has seen and that all their candidates are ready to fight elections.
Asked about the list of criteria that the screening committee is looking at, Gogoi said that besides the academic and professional backgrounds of the candidates, the committee also looked at their association with the Congress, since many of the candidates come from civil society.
“The committee is looking at what kind of work they have done in the community. Since many candidates have come from government backgrounds they have an understanding which social welfare schemes are doing well or not doing well. We have a comprehensive view and understanding of who the people applying for tickets are on behalf of the Congress party. We look at election records and of course we will consult with senior leaders before coming out with the official list,” Gogoi added.
Regarding the many fresh faces seeking Congress ticket, Gogoi said that this is a great opportunity for Meghalaya to see new candidates.
He also informed that the committee is waiting for the official announcement from the Election Commission regarding the election schedule.
Gogoi also said that the screening committee will have another where the list of candidates will be finalised and announced with the approval of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge.
He also expressed hope that the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) would put out a “fantastic poll campaign” in the days to come.
Gogoi also informed that recently AICC observer Mukul Wasnik and other Congress MPs have been in the State traveling and meeting with people and organisations to understand what Meghalaya needs right now in terms of development, and what major challenges the people are facing.
“I often hear about the challenges that people here are facing. It is unfortunate,” he said.
He added that people in the State have seen many political leaders jumping from one party to another and at the time of elections many come with a lot of promises and fail to live up to their promises.
“Similarly the current MDA government has failed to live up to many of its promises,” Gogoi said.
MPCC president Vincent Pala and MPCC spokesperson Ronnie V. Lyngdoh also attended the press conference.
