Shillong: Former Rajya Sabha member and senior NPP leader Wanweiroy R. Kharlukhi expects a tight race for the upcoming Shillong parliamentary by-election. He believes the Congress party has prepared well, citing a strategy developed over the past four to five months. The campaign started early. Kharlukhi remains optimistic about their efforts to secure the seat.
He refused to predict a clear winner, noting that the final verdict rests entirely with the voters. The political veteran pointed to the 2024 parliamentary results as proof that electoral shifts happen quickly. The Voice of the People Party took the Shillong seat despite having only four MLAs at the time. Kharlukhi noted, "It’s anybody’s game. Did you ever dream that the VPP would sweep the Shillong parliamentary seat in 2024 with four MLAs? It’s an open game."
Kharlukhi also commented on the BJP and its future in Meghalaya. He declined to forecast their success in the 2028 assembly elections, stating that current political strength does not guarantee future results. He recalled the performance of BJP candidate Himalayan M. Shangpliang, who finished second in a previous contest. Constant movement of elected representatives between parties makes long-term predictions impossible.
The BJP currently holds 10 seats in the 60-member House. This number rose from two after eight United Democratic Party legislators joined their ranks. Whether they hold that support remains unclear. Kharlukhi said, "It is up to the people to decide."
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