Meghalaya Congress on Tuesday exuded confidence that five independent MLAs would join the party ahead of the elections.
However, the party leadership denied delaying the announcement of candidates to pave way for the independent MLAs joining the party.
Five legislators — Brigady Marak (Bajengdoba), Ashahel D Shira (Rajabala), Michael Sangma (Tikrikilla), David Nongrum (Mawryngkneng) and NCP MLA from Mendipathar Marthon Sangma — had taken the application forms and sought ticket from the party.
He said that the Pradesh Election Committee might sit anytime to decide on the names of the candidates.
This time around, Meghalaya has witnessed a never before switching of parties before the elections.
While eight MLAs including Prestone Tynsong, Rowell Lyngdoh, Comingone Ymbon, Sniawbhalang Dhar and Ngaitlang Dhar (all Congress), UDP’s Remington Pyngrope, and independents Stephanson Mukhim and Hopeful Bamon joined the National People’s party, another group of MLAs including AL Hek (Congress), Sanbor Shullai (NCP), Robinus Syngkon (Independent) and Justine Dkhar (Independent) joined the BJP.
Recently, another development independent candidate, Saleng Sangma have joined the NCP.
Meanwhile, Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) president, Ardent Basaiawmoit, said on Tuesday the party would shortly announce the final list of candidates and would review certain constituencies.
He also said the party would examine a few constituencies to ascertain the need to field candidates. The party has so far announced the names of 13 candidates.
The HSPDP is in alliance with another regional party, United Democratic Party (UDP) in which the parties have also proposed to come up with a common minimum programme.
Basaiawmoit said that both parties, the HSPDP and UDP were working on the common minimum programme.