The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) feels confident about winning at least nine seats in next year’s state elections.
The regional party currently has two MLAs in the 60-member house.
Speaking to Highland Post recently, HSPDP youth wing president Sandondor Ryntathiang said that the party will hold its two seats of Sohiong and Mawkyrwat and has chances to win Mawkynrew, three others in East Khasi Hills, one in Eastern West Khasi Hills and two in Ri-Bhoi.
“We want to focus on those that we have good chances,” Ryntathiang said. “Our candidates are very strong and active in these constituencies and we hope that the people give their support to our party.”
Nothing has yet been discussed about whether the HSPDP will have a pre-poll alliance with the United Democratic Party. The two comprise the Regional Democratic Alliance and both sit together in the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance.
Meanwhile, Ryntathiang said that the HSPDP’s elected strength is intact, for now at least. There have been strong rumours that Mawkyrwat MLA and cabinet minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar will leave for the UDP, which is reportedly prepared to endorse him as its Mawkyrwat candidate in 2023.
“To date, the four legislators – two MLAs and two MDCs – are still intact and very much part and parcel of the party but we cannot say what the future holds,” he said.
