Shillong, Feb 2 (UNI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday announced its candidates for all the 60 Assembly constituencies in Meghalaya where election is scheduled to be held on February 27.

Unlike in the previous elections, this is for the first time that the saffron party is fielding its candidates in all the 60 Assembly constituencies in the state. In 2018 assembly elections, the BJP contested in 47 seats but won only two seats.

“Keeping in view the sentiments of the people, for the first time, our leadership has decided to contest on all 60 seats in Meghalaya with the tagline – Empower Meghalaya,” BJP national secretary Rituraj Sinha said.

“The people of Meghalaya are fed up with corruption and the slow pace of development in their
state. The people are suffering due to poor rural roads, power cuts for long hours and lack of basic facilities,” Sinha said, adding that central schemes are not being implemented in the state.
“People trust that Prime Minister Modi can give corruption-free, fast-track development,” the BJP leader said.

The saffron party which is confident of increasing its tally in the State Assembly is fielding a former militant leader-turned politician, Bernard N Marak against Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in South Tura constituency.
Marak was arrested in a case a few months back on various criminal charges but was released on bail by the court later.
The list also includes Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai representing South Shillong constituency and former Health and Family Welfare Minister, Alexander Laloo Hek from Pynthormukhrah constituency. State Party’s president Ernest Mawrie will contest from West
Shillong seat.

Two former Assembly Speakers – Elstone D Marak and Martin Danggo – were allotted party tickets. Initially, Danggo was the official candidate of the NPP from Ranikor assembly seat, but quit the Conrad Sangma-led party following a “secret political meet” with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Another prominent leader Himalaya Muktan Shangpliang who shifted allegiance to the BJP from the TMC, has been given nomination to contest from Mawsynram constituency.

Moreover, two former NPP legislators - Benedict R Marak and Ferlin Sangma – were also given party tickets to contest from Raksamgere and Selsella assembly seat,
In the list there are also six women candidates including the former NPP legislator Ferlin. The other women candidates include: Bitty Jyrwa (Mawkyrwat,) Darikmen L Marshillong (Mawthadraishan,) Arena Hynniewta (Shella,) Riya Sangma (Jirang,) Marian Maring (Nongpoh.)

Former IPS officer Mariahom Kharkrang will contest from North Shillong assembly seat.
UNI RRK BM