Air Marshal Diengngan is contesting the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) elections for the Ranikor Block Congress Committee (RBCC).
But you will be surprised to know that the man has never served as an Air Marshal for the Indian Air Force.
Meghalaya’s love for English names has made the state’s voter list one of the funniest in the country. The people of the state have a fondness for names that rhyme without knowing their meanings, which results people having peculiar names.
Past elections have seen candidates with names such as Hitler and Frankenstein, Ian Botham K Sangma, Councillor Sing Wahlang, Field Marshal Mawphniang, Nehru Suting, Nehru D Sangma, Mody M Sangma.
Other candidate names in the past elections include Highlander Kharmalki, Process T Sawkmie, Sounder Strong Cajee, Bomber Sing Hynniewta, Hispreachering Son Shylla, Hilarious Pohchen, Goodleader Son Nongsiej, Marathon Sangma, Roger Benny Sangma, Predecessor Rumnong, Firstborn Sn Nongtdu, and Secondson Sangma.
In the electoral rolls, meanwhile, names include Sattelite Thabah, Rebirth Rungnga, Incharge Diengdoh, Remainder Khongsdam, Player Khongtim, Meghalaya Khontim, Eleven Ryngnga, Fourteen Rungnga, Premier Sing Khongbeh, Everyday Tangson, Sunday Diengdoh, Remote Massar, Beyond Chalam, Morality Hadia, Levertwist Mawroh and so on.
Some voters share their names with countries and places, too. The rolls include names of countries like Damascus, Italy, Mysore, England, Japan, and of course Meghalaya.