NPP candidate from Shillong Lok Sabha seat and cabinet minister Ampareen Lyngdoh today said that there was no anti-incumbency wave against the NPP in the State.
She was speaking to media persons after filing her nomination papers before the Returning Officer, Sibhi Chakravarty Sadhu here.
“NPP doesn’t face any anti-incumbency factor. Anti-incumbency only applies to the incumbent Congress MP Vincent Pala,” Lyngdoh said.
Asked if it would be a challenge to unseat Pala since she had supported him in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Lyngdoh said, “There are no permanent positions in parties or permanent positions in the legislature or in the executive.”
“Having worked with few political parties (UDP and Congress), I know the pulse, I know the mind, modus operandi and way they talk (other political parties). So this is advantageous for me,” she added.
Lyngdoh also claimed that the NPP is “way ahead in service” to the people of the State than the others.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent the NPP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Lyngdoh emphasised her extensive groundwork, having traversed through 36 Assembly constituencies over the past three and a half months.
“I have completed my journey through 36 constituencies. I have covered over hundreds of kilometres in about three and a half months. Yesterday, I was able to go to the last segments of my constituency. I feel satisfied that I now am familiar with what I need to do. I know that there is much expectation but again like we said, we are here to serve the people and I will try my best to serve to the best of my capacity,” Lyngdoh affirmed, exuding confidence in her ability to fulfill the aspirations of the electorate.
On her chances of winning the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Lyngdoh said, she has won five terms as an MLA and she has the experience of working as an opposition member and the treasury and now is in the cabinet.
Earlier during the day, in a show of strength Lyngdoh and her supporters and her political colleagues took out a procession from her house in Laitumkhrah to the party’s office in Lower Lachaumiere and then to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
She was accompanied by a formidable contingent including two deputy chief ministers, Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, cabinet minister Comingone Ymbon, KHADC chief Pyniaid Sing Syiem, as well as party MLAs – Santa Mary Shylla and Wailadmiki Shylla.
Prior to the filing, Lyngdoh paid tribute to her father, the late Peter Garnette Marbaniang, by garlanding his bust at Laitumkhrah. Marbaniang had previously served as an MP of Shillong seat.
Meanwhile, NPP National President and Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma took to social media to announce Lyngdoh filing her nomination.
“Our candidate for Shillong Lok Sabha Constituency Dr M.@ampareenlyngdoh filed her nomination today. This election is very important for the National People’s Party (NPP) and as Meghalayan’s we have to demonstrate our strength and regard for our women. Together, we shall strive to showcase to the nation that Meghalaya and its people believe in the potential of our women, who can lead us and voice the concerns for the State in the Lok Sabha. Wishing her the best!,” he said on X formerly known as Twitter.
