Mawlai MLA Process Sawkmie is keeping his cards close to his chest with regards as to which party he will contest the 2023 state elections from.
The nominally Congress legislator signed the letter of support the five MLAs from the party gave to the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government on Tuesday but did not attend that day’s meeting with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
It is speculated that Sawkmie would prefer to contest the 2023 polls on a United Democratic Party (UDP) ticket. He had even received support in this from his old rival, ex-Mawlai MLA and UDP politician Embhahlang Syiemlieh, which he appreciated.
For now, though, Sawkmie declined to say anything categorical.
“I have conveyed to my supporters to let things be as they are for now and wait for the term (of the current Assembly) to end before a decision is taken,” he said, adding that there is much time before the election.
He added that it is well known that the Congress is weak not only in Meghalaya but in the entire country.
Maintaining that a decision will be made at the right time, the legislator, however, hinted that national parties have led the state for too long now and it is time for regional parties, of which the UDP is one, to be given a chance.
