The ruling Congress on Saturday released the list of candidates for 57 seats that include chief minister Mukul Sangma who will contest from two Assembly seats in the upcoming Meghalaya Assembly polls slated for February 27.
The list was announced by Oscar Fernandez, who is in-charge Central election committee of the All India Congress Committee in New Delhi on Saturday.
The ruling party however did not declare its candidates from three Assembly seats – Khliehriat in East Jaiñtia Hills district, and two seats in Shillong city – South Shillong seat and Pynthorumkhrah constituency, represented earlier by former Congress MLA, A.L. Hek who has now joined the BJP.
The chief minister will contest from his home constituency, Ampati as well as from Songsak constituency being represented by opposition MLA, Nihim D Shira of the National People’s Party.
The list also comprised of six women candidates including PWD (buildings) minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh (East Shillong), School Education minister Deborah C Marak (Williamnagar), chief minister’s wife, Dikkanchi D. Shira (Mahendraganj), Sadhiarani Sangma (Gambegre), Eureka F.P. Lyngdoh (Mairang) and Wanjop Susngi (Raliang).
Among the sitting MLAs who did not figure in the list include sitting Congress MLA from Chokpot constituency, Bluebell R. Sangma. In her place, the Congress is fielding Lazarus Sangma as the candidate from Chokpot.
The other candidates in the list include Assembly Speaker, Abu Taher Mondal from Phulbari, former chief minister and sitting MLA, Salseng C. Marak from Resubelpara, PHE minister and state Congress president, Celestine Lyngdoh from Umsning, chief minister’s brother and Sports minister Zenith Sangma from Rangsakona, Urban Affairs minister Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, PWD (Roads) Minister, Martin M. Danggo and Home minister H Donkupar R Lyngdoh from Sohïong.
Forest minister Clement Marak will contest from Selsella, Kennedy Cornelius Khyriem from Mawphlang, chief executive member of Jaiñtia Hills Autnomous District Council, A. Andrew Shullai from Jowai, former IAS officer, Jopthiaw Lyngdoh from Nartiang, Nehemayah Tyngkan from Mookaiaw, and former minister, Shitlang Pale from Sutnga-Saipung, George B. Lyngdoh, the son of former chief minister, late E.K. Mawlong from Umroi, Charles Marngar from Mawhati, Mayral Born Syiem from Nongpoh, Witness Sancley from Jirang, David Nongrum from Mawryngkneng, former Minister and MDC, Process T. Sawkmie from Mawlai.
Senior advocate W. Humphrey D. Syngkon will contest from North Shillong, Mohendro Rapsang from West Shillong, former Assembly Speaker Charles Pyngrope from Nongthymmai, John Filmore Kharshing from Nongkrem, former bureaucrat Himalaya Muktan Shangpliang from Mawsynram, B.L. Ryngnga from Shella, Dr Jelington Ryndong from Pynursla, Donevan Wanlang from Sohra, Olet Kharsahnoh from Mawkynrew, Pion Kurbah from Mawthadraishan, Gabriel Wahlang at Nongstoin.
Kimfa Sidney Marbaniang is the candidate from Rambrai Jyrngam, Justine C. Momin from Mawshynrut, sitting MLA Cherak W. Momin from Kharkutta, Marthon Sangma from Mendipathar, Brigady N. Marak from Bajengdoba, Sengnam Marak from Rongjeng, Limison D. Sangma from Raksamgre, Jimmy D. Sangma from Tikrikilla, Ismail R Marak from Dadenggre, Noverfield R. Marak from North Tura, Winnerson D. Sangma from Salmanpara, Grithalson N. Arengh from South Tura, Kennethson Sangma from Dalu, Francis P.R. Sangma from Rangara Siju, Sirgan A. Sangma from Baghmara and Dr Azad Zaman from Rajabala.