Mawryngkneng by poll: HSPDP yet to decide on extending support to NPP

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 5, 2021

The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) is yet to take a decision on whether to support the candidate of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) in the upcoming bye election to the Mawryngkneng Assembly seat.

The bye-election is necessitated following the death of Congress legislator (L) David A Nongrum on February 2, this year.

The NPP is fielding KHADC Chairman and Sohryngkham MDC Pyniaid Sing Syiem against the opposition Congress nominee Highlander Kharmalki.

However, the HSPDP has decided not to field any candidate for the bye election, date of which is yet to be announced by the Election Commission of India.

“As a party, we have no intention to set up a candidate for the Mawryngkneng bye-election,” Malngiang told reporters.

According to him, it would be pointless to contest the bypoll if the party does not get a good candidate.

Moreover, aspiring candidates are also hesitant to come forward to apply for a party ticket as the 2023 Assembly general elections is nearing.

Asked if his party would support the NPP candidate, Malngiang said, “We are yet to take any decision on whether we will support the NPP or other political party.”

“However, the support of the party will be based on issues raised by the concerned candidates. If the issues are not genuine, we may avoid taking part in the bye-election,”he added.