The NPP today announced the name of State cabinet minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and Tura MP Agatha K. Sangma as the party’s candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Shillong and Tura parliamentary constituencies, respectively.
This is the first time in the history of the State that a political party chose women candidates to contest from both the Lok Sabha seats.
“I am happy to announce the names of cabinet minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and MP Agatha Sangma as the party’s official candidates for Shillong and Tura parliamentary constituencies,” State NPP president and Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong told media persons.
According to Tynsong, the list of the two candidates was approved by NPP national president and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
While Lyngdoh is the four-time legislator, Agatha, who is representing Tura, is a three-time MP from Tura parliamentary constituency.
Lyngdoh does not have to resign as MLA to contest the Lok Sabha election as per the Constitution of India. If she got elected as MP, she would have to quit as MLA.
Stating that the party was confident that both the candidates would win the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Tynsong said the party will soon come up with a manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Meanwhile, Tynsong also sought the support of Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) partners to back their candidates in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
“Since the names of the NPP candidates have been declared then why not support the NPP candidates if they (allies) can,” he said.
The NPP-led MDA includes the UDP, HSPDP and BJP besides two independents.
However, this appeal of Tynsong may go unheard since the UDP and the HSPDP under the umbrella of the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) have decided to field a common candidate.
The BJP is also scouting for potential candidates to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
The Congress will in all probability announce the name of sitting Shillong Lok Sabha MP as their candidate.
Apart from the NPP, the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) has long ago announced the name of party general secretary Ricky A J Syngkon as its candidate.
