Editor,
The preparation for the MP elections in Meghalaya is already underway by major political parties. The National People’s Party (NPP) is the first party to declare both women candidates for 1-Shillong and 2-Tura Parliamentary Constituencies. While Dr. Ampareen Mazel Lyngdoh is from the former constituency, Agatha Sangma is from the latter constituency. Both are formidable undertaker candidates for Lok Sabha from Meghalaya. Who knows this time round Meghalaya may go for women candidates from both the seats.
But the only major regional party here, United Democratic Party (UDP), has officially declared Robertjune Kharjahrin, a well-known young talented dynamic NGO leader, first generation advocate and politically charged as its candidate. This will be his first attempt to enter Lok Sabha from 1-Shillong Parliamentary Constituency.
Yet the Congress party here is not in a hurry and it did not make unnecessary noise as it already has an undeclared candidate in the person of Vincent H. Pala, a third term MP from this seat. But it is very doubtful if the voters of this prestigious seat of Meghalaya will still elect him as he bore no fruits during the last three terms and remained in effect in Parliament.
With regard to BJP and other parties there is no noise at all from their quarters. Perhaps they are weighing the pros and cons of whether there are any utilities at all to set up their candidates or face their real political strength in the State.
Philip Marweiñ
Senior Journalist
Shillong – 2
