Meghalaya UDP not in a hurry to declare candidates for upcoming polls

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Oct 18: United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh has informed that the party is not in a hurry to declare candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and MDC elections, which are slated to be held next year.

Speaking to media persons, Lyngdoh said “As party president, I am happy to know that there are many individuals who are eying to contest both MP and MDC election from UDP but the party is in no hurry to declare its candidates.”.

He said it was overwhelming to see that there are many individuals, who have approached and expressed their keen interest to contest the MP election on a UDP ticket.

He said so far two or three people have approached the party for tickets. “However, we are yet to take a final decision on the matter. The decision will be taken once the party sits for a meeting,” Lyngdoh said.

Sources within the party on Tuesday had indicated the names of two former legislators – Jemino Mawthoh and PT Sawkmie – and former HYC president Robertjune Kharjahrin as those vying for the UDP ticket.

With regards to the MDC election, the UDP president said that though the party is yet to take a call on the matter as well, there are sitting MDCs who have expressed their desire to re-contest the election.

AIM against gambling in melas

The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.

Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.

Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.