SHILLONG, JAN 31: Cabinet minister Ampareen Lyngdoh is one among three candidates who filed their nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly polls slated to be held on February 27.
Lyngdoh, a two-time legislator from East Shillong constituency, is the first from the ruling Congress to file her nomination here on Wednesday, which is the first day of filing of nomination papers.
The two others are Independent candidates which include Ricky Shullai, who will be contesting from Mylliem constituency and Mattsing Nongrum from Sohra constituency.
Ricky is a sitting member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and is also the nephew of former Assembly’s deputy speaker Sanbor Shullai, who will be contesting on a BJP ticket from South Shillong constituency.
Speaking to reporters, Ampareen said that the she need not speak much on her election strategy to retain her seat because she is determined to work hard till the last day.
“I appeal to the people of my constituency to kindly support me again and come out of your homes and cast your votes,” she said.
Asked, the cabinet minister said that anti-incumbency is a common occurrence for a person like her who is contesting the election for the fourth time.
“However, I am confident to the possible extent I have worked hard and we have a check list where we can confidently say that we are proud. 99 per cent I have been able to deliver on the hundreds of things requested by residents,” she said.
“If at all there is anti-incumbent factor it will only account for the one percent where we could not reach out because I have 40 localities in my constituency and taking care of everyone in five years is always a biggest challenge,” she said.
With the BJP also in the fray, Ampareen said that she is not looking at her contenders but is preparing and will give her best to have a bigger margin. “Party may come and go but Congress is here to stay in my constituency,” she said.
Whether there is any possibility for a bye-election in her constituency, the minister said the speculations of a bye-election are unfounded.
“I have said that I would still contest on a Congress ticket as I will be fine even if we have to sit in the opposition because I am a committed Congress worker and I am proud of my leader Rahul Gandhiji and I will always be a Congress,” she added.
On the other hand, Ricky said that he has decided to contest the upcoming polls as an Independent candidate was because that the people of his constituency do not want him to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Although his uncle has recently joined the BJP, he however said that in politics, the voice of the people matters.
Asked, Ricky said the problem faced by the people of the constituency was the main reason for him to contest the upcoming elections. Mylliem is presently represented by cabinet minister Ronnie V Lyngdoh.
Meanwhile, the last date of filing of nomination is on February 7, while scrutiny of nominations is on February 8 and withdrawal is on February 12.
The date for polling will be on February 27 and counting on March 3.
It may be mentioned so far as many as 12 political parties both state and national based have announced their intention to contest the upcoming Assembly polls.
The more prominent political parties
By Our Reporter
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