Shillong: The Meghalaya unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party is taking a patient approach to the upcoming by-election for the Shillong Lok Sabha seat. While rival parties have already launched outreach campaigns, the BJP stated it will wait for the Election Commission to officially notify the poll schedule before naming a candidate. The seat became vacant following the passing of Voice of the People Party MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon.
State BJP general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna confirmed that the party has already received nine applications from hopefuls seeking the ticket. While internal consultations are moving forward, the final selection remains in the hands of the BJP Central Parliamentary Board. Pohshna noted that the state leadership is working to narrow down the candidate pool before presenting recommendations to the central party officials.
Despite the lack of an immediate announcement, the party dismissed concerns that it is losing an advantage in the constituency. The BJP believes the by-election is not imminent because of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Explaining the party's strategy, Pohshna stated, “From what we know, elections will not be held till the SIR is complete.”
Pohshna maintained that this measured pace aligns with the party's traditional election processes. He emphasized that the BJP prefers to formalize its candidates only after the Election Commission sets the timeline for the contest.
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