Congress select Highlander for Mawryngkneng bye-election

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 3, 2021

The opposition Congress is all set to field a former member of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF), Highlander Kharmalki as its candidate for the upcoming bye-election to the Mawryngkneng Assembly seat.

The seat was declared vacant after the death of Congress sitting legislator, (L) David A Nongrum on February 2.

Kharmalki’s name came up after nobody from (L) Nongrum’s family was willing to contest the bye-election despite requests made by the party supporters.

It may be mentioned here that Kharmalki had unsuccessfully contested and came second in the 2018 Assembly polls from Mawrynkneng constituency on a PDF ticket.

Confirming this on Wednesday, senior Congress legislator from Nongthymmai, Charles Pyngrope said, “Yes, we have zeroed down on Highlander Kharmalki (as our candidate for the seat)…In fact he is the only applicant.”

Pyngrope, also father of (L) Nongrum, expressed hope that the people of the constituency will extend full support and ensure victory to the Congress nominee.

“In the last election also he (Kharmalki) came second…I am optimistic that he will sail through (this time),” the senior leader said as he assured support to Kharmalki.

Meanwhile, the ruling National People’s Party is fielding sitting MDC from Sohryngkham and KHADC chairman, Pyniaid Sing Syiem for the bye election, the date of which is yet to be announced by the Election Commission of India.