The United Democratic Party (UDP), a constituent of the ruling National People's Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), on Thursday announced senior advocate Vivanstone G Kharngapkynta as its candidate for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election. The Election Commission has yet to announce the schedule for the by-poll.
Background of the By-Election
The Shillong parliamentary seat fell vacant following the demise of the sitting Member of Parliament, Ricky AJ Syngkon of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), on February 19 this year. Syngkon's untimely death necessitated the by-election to fill the vacancy.
UDP's Formal Induction of Candidate
UDP president and cabinet minister Metbah Lyngdoh officially announced Kharngapkynta's candidature after formally inducting him as a full-fledged party member during a meeting held in Shillong on Thursday. The induction marked Kharngapkynta's entry into active politics.
Field of Candidates Expands to Four
With the UDP's announcement, the number of candidates contesting the Shillong parliamentary by-election has risen to four. The other candidates include:
- D.R.L. Nonglait of the National People's Party (NPP)
- Former MP Vincent H Pala of the Indian National Congress
- Batskhem Myrboh of the Voice of the People Party (VPP)
First-Time Electoral Contestant
Kharngapkynta, who is entering electoral politics for the first time, outlined his priorities if elected. He emphasized working towards further strengthening the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution, which he described as the strongest safeguard for the Khasi and Jaintia Hills regions.
He also stressed the need to bolster the existing tribal autonomous district councils and called for collective efforts to secure constitutional recognition for the Khasi language by including it in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.
About the Author
Manosh Das is based in Meghalaya and reports on local issues including security, politics, and social developments. He provides detailed coverage of events in the Northeast region, especially Meghalaya, reflecting ground-level realities and concerns of the state's diverse communities.
