Newly elected UDP MLA from Sohiong, Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah has said that money power has had no bearing during the polls but love defined his victory.
“The people of Sohiong has sent a clear message that do not come and buy votes with money, you should buy them with love,” Thabah told reporters after winning the seat defeating sitting MLA Samlin Malngiang.
He said the sympathy wave related to his late uncle HDR Lyngdoh, was also a major factor behind his victory.
Lyngdoh was a representative for more than three decades and served Sohiong constituency. He was a former home minister, who passed away, one week before the Assembly polls.
“I will now start from zero and carry forward what my uncle has done. I have said I am a continuation of my uncle’s work and do whatever I can to further develop the Sohiong constituency,” he said.
Thabah also said that a new era will start in the constituency and reiterated that his aim is not just a legislator but a lawmaker, who will speak in the assembly. “ILP, Roster system and Uniform Civil Code are main issues that I will take up,” he added.
Accepting defeat, Malngiang said the verdict of the people is final. “I have done well for the constituency and I hope the newly elected representative will do more.”
Meanwhile, UDP State Vice President Allantry Franklin Dkhar said, “It is a victory of the party and its spirit of regionalism that prevailed in the minds of the electorate, and we are very happy about it. I thank the people of Sohiong for putting their faith and trust in us.”