The Janata Dal (United), a minor political force in Meghalaya but one with big aspirations, has begun its candidate selection for the next state election, which must be held by March 2023.
State JD(U) general secretary Joshua Ch Marak said today through a press release that the party has decided to field candidates for all 60 Assembly seats.
“Candidates from every nook and corner have been approaching us for tickets in the last few months but it would not be right to hand over tickets in a random manner,” Marak said. “However, we are reviewing the interest and the high demand from the public as well. We shall proceed with our candidate selection in a democratic way,” he added while stating that aspirants who have the support of the public will be chosen.
The JD(U) will also pick its candidates based on how serious they are to help the state turn a new page and not based on the personal wealth of the ticket seeker.
“We cannot choose a person for the sake of his or her wealth or money if a person is not contented with basic education or basic wisdom because ignorance is not the policy to build a better society. One must be sure of his or her purpose, the purpose that every citizen rightly is in need of making a difference and in breaking through social barriers,” Marak said.
Meghalaya needs a change as the “economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices in selecting the proper candidates and prepare the society for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our healthcare is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet,” he added.
