Despite drawing zero in GHADC’s election, UDP field eight candidates so far from Garo Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 6, 2022

Though the United Democratic Party (UDP) drew zero in the recent Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) yet the party on Tuesday declared eight candidates from Garo Hills out of the first list of 32 candidates who will battle out in the forthcoming Assembly Election scheduled on February next.

Informing this to media persons after the State Election Committee’s meeting held in party office, Shillong, UDP president and Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh said there is a growing need for a strong-independent political alternative, which could stand up for the aspirations of the people of the state.

In politics, regionalism is an ideology that highlights the local identity, the need for independent regional planning and administrative freedom, Lyngdoh said, “I feel there is scope for a regional political party in the state to fulfil the dreams of the youth and the needs of the people of Meghalaya, which the national parties have failed in doing so.”

He also asserted “In UDP, we have no high command and no big boss culture, political arrogance to stop us from thinking about the state. That is why a section of people, who are associated with these national parties have now joined the UDP.”

The UDP chief said, “In the government that we are today, our role is nonetheless like a team to look after the welfare of the people of the state and we have been able to save the state from losing its good image.”

“We hope that this 2023, people will give us the mandate since in many pockets, the people of the state are in search of an independent political voice of their own,” he said.

The eight candidates from Garo Hills constituencies are namely Luderberth Ch Momin (Kharkutta), ex-service man Taposh D Marak (Resubelpara), Subroto G Marak (Mendipathar), Andreash G Momin (Rongjeng), Ronald Rikman Sangma (Salmanpara), Kennethson R Sangma (Dalu) and Ashahel D Shira (Rajabala) and Rakkam Ch Marak (Bajengdoba).

The 24 candidates from Khasi Jaintia constituencies are Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh (Mairang), cabinet ministers: Kyrmen Shylla (Khliehriat), Lahkmen Rymbui (Amlarem) and Brolding Nongsiej (Mawthadraishan), sitting MLAs: Nujorki Sungoh (Mookaiaw), Balajied Kupar Synrem (Shella), Pius Marwein (Ranikor), MDCs: KHADC CEM, Titosstarwell Chyne (Sohra), EMs Paul Lyngdoh (West Shillong) and Mitchel Wankhar (Mylliem), JHADC MDCs – Dawan Lyngdoh (Nartiang) and Treilang Suchiang (Raliang), former JHADC CEM Moonlight Pariat (Jowai), former MLAs: HDR Lyngdoh (Sohiong), Jemino Mawthoh (Nongthymmai), Remington Pyngrope (Mawkynrew), former govt officials: former PWD Executive Engineer Baiahunang Makdoh (Mawhati), former assistant director, Agriculture Olan Singh Suin (Mawsynram), MBBS and former DHS Dr Aman War (North Shillong), MBBS Dr Osaphi Smithson Jyrwa (Mawryngkneng), Badhok Nongmalieh (Jirang), Sunshine Makri (Umsning), Polestar Nongsiej (Nongstoin) and Anthony Khongwang (Pynursla).