Shillong: The upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election serves as a major political test for parties in Meghalaya. The National People’s Party leads the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance 2.0. Now, the BJP plans to field its own candidate, marking a fresh approach for the party. Several United Democratic Party MLAs and former UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh plan to jump to the BJP. This shift could strengthen the party across the state.
Nine people applied for the BJP ticket. The state unit has forwarded these names to central leadership for a final decision. A party official noted: "candidate-ko ta·raken parakatgnok ineba BJP-ni saksa dilgipa aganaha." Officials expect to announce their pick soon.
The by-election follows the death of MP Ricky AJ Syngkon earlier this year. In the 2024 general election, Syngkon won with 55 percent of the vote, defeating Congress veteran Vincent Pala by over 3.71 lakh votes. The BJP supported the NPP during that contest. Now, the landscape has changed.
The race is heating up. The NPP selected Dr. DRL Nonglait as its candidate. The VPP chose Batskhem Myrboh, while Congress plans to field former MP and MPCC president Vincent Pala once again.
Comments