Battlelines are drawn for the April 19 Lok Sabha election in Meghalaya with the withdrawal of nominations coming to an end in both the constituencies – Shillong and Tura – on March 30.
As many as six candidates will contest in Shillong, which is currently represented by Vincent H Pala of the Congress, who is seeking re-election for the fourth consecutive term.
Agatha Sangma, sister of chief minister Conrad Sangma and daughter of former Lok Sabha speaker late Purno Agitok Sangma, is seeking re-election to retain her Lok Sabha seat for the fourth term from Tura.
The BJP, a constituent of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government is supporting the NPP’s nominees Agatha Sangma and lone woman cabinet minister Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh in the Conrad Sangma ministry for the Shillong seat.
The Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA), an alliance between the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), has fielded Robertjune Kharjahrin, while the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) has nominated Ricky Andrew J Syngkon.
Two Independent candidates, Professor Lakhon Kma and Advocate Peter Shallam are also contesting for the prestigious Shillong seat.
In Tura parliamentary constituency, Zenith Sangma, brother of former chief minister Mukul Sangma, is the Trinamool Congress candidate, while former cabinet minister Saleng Sangma of the Congress and Independent candidate Laben Ch Marak are also in fray.
While the Shillong parliamentary seat spreads over 36 assembly segments, covering Ri-Bhoi, Khasi-Jaintia Hills, the Tura seat consists of 24 assembly segments in the entire Garo hills region of Meghalaya.
