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Denounce money power in election- Mahila Congress

The Mahila Congress of Umroi Constituency elected Rikynti Syiem as the president, and Iohlinda Malngiang as general secretary. A total of six vice presidents which include Esternlin Kharsati, Albina Marpan, Meshilda Lyngdoh, Probina Pasi, Dreamtimai Makri, and Rosalin Kharmawlong were elected.

The objective of forming the Mahila Committee was to donate money to the Congress candidate George B. Lyngdoh to spread a message and to inspire voters in other constituencies to vote with conscience and not by getting bribed or asking money from the candidates. George B Lyngdoh is the eldest son of former Chief Minister late E.K. Mawlong who had represented Umroi constituency in the past. George will contest from Umroi constituency against the present MLA Ngaitlang Dhar who is one of the richest MLAs in Meghalaya.

This is the second incident where people are collecting money for their candidates in order to contest in the upcoming election, the first incident happen earlier this month in Sohiong constituency where people collected money for their candidates. This is a lesson learnt for those who think that many people would vote only for candidates who can throw a lot of money during elections these two incidents prove otherwise. “By collecting donation for our candidate, we want to send a strong message that people of Umroi need to elect their MLA who is qualified and based on wisdom and conscience without getting influenced by money or ask money from the candidate,” said one of the donors.

The Mahila Congress women recalled by saying that in the past we had a number of intellectuals and statesmen in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly but today the State Assembly seemed to have become a house of business people.

The Mahila Members emphasized the need to bring change in the constituency by electing a representative who can make laws and policies for the benefit of the people and overall development in the constituency and the state as a whole. They also decided to spread the message to the nooks and corners of the constituency to denounce money power during election and vote for Lyngdoh as the MLA of Umroi, who can make laws and policies for the interest of the state and the constituency.

Referring to (Dhar) The Mahila President Rikynti Syiem said we need to reverse this trend since innocent voters have been fooled during elections by various candidates especially candidates who are businessmen. Meanwhile Lyngdoh assured the people of Umroi that if elected he would work hard to uplift the constituency which still requires a lot of development and find out ways and means for providing livelihood to the people including the youth and the poor.

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Pynkhlainborlang Mukhim UDP candidate

The United Democratic Party UDP has announced Pynkhlainborlang Mukhim as its candidate for the upcoming election for Mawryngkneng constituency. Speaking at the function the UDP president Dr. Donkupar Roy said “from today each and every one of us needs to work hard to make sure that your candidate becomes victorious in the upcoming election. Stating that the alliance of the UDP-HSPDP is to unite the people of the state, he said, “We request the people to support this attempt by both the regional parties to unite the indigenous people of the state.

Meanwhile the newly selected UDP candidate from Mawryngkneng Pynkhlainborlang Mukhim had promise to upgrade the PHC into a CHC at Mawryngkneng if he is elected as the representative to the legislative assembly in the upcoming election.

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Deathwell D. Lapang

Senior and veteran politician leader, Deathwell D. Lapang, former Chief Minister, had ruled the roost, in the Nongpoh constituency of Ri Bhoi. He was first elected to the Meghalaya State Assembly in 1972. Since then there was no turning back. However ironically, when the Ri Bhoi district came into being in June 1992, Lapang lost his seat as member of the Assembly : However subsequently he regained popularity and power, and is set to contest in the ensuing 2018 elections.

A storm is however gathering to disturt the fortune of D.D. Lapang, as his strong lieutenants within the Congress Party, have deserted him and joined the National Peoples Party (NPP), including Constantine Lyngdoh, former President of Nongpoh Block Congress Committee, being the only person to have defeated D.D. Lapang.

Nongpoh Congress leaders who have deserted the party, have however no hard feelings towards D.D. Lapang, but for the “Dictatorial attitude” of the present Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.

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Assaulted for Questioning...

Here is a case for tit for tat, when an independent member of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, from the Baghmara constituency, Samuel Sangma, files a counter FIR, against a villager. The villager identified as Akang Marak, raised the question and allegation against the legislative member, that he had done nothing for the development of the constituency. The legislator instead of replying, physically assaulted the villager. According to the complain of the villager, one person who was with him, was also assaulted by the legislator. The legislator said he had gone for taking part in a festival and was pushed by a person, who was seemingly intoxicated.

It seems however that legislators are now involved in brawls and not only debate, which would certainly not be conducive, to built up an atmosphere, between the electors and the elected, in the run up to the 2018 elections.

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KHNAM shed Tears

It was an unprecedented drama, within the four walls of a legislative council, that happened in the Khasi Hills District Council, as the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement member (KHNAM), broke-down and shed tears, as his no con-fidence motion against the ruling Peoples Democratic Forum (PDF) led by, P.N. Syiem, was rejected by the Council Chairman L.G. Nongsiej, which got the support of only six opposition, belonging to the United Democratic Party (UDP), Six members of the Congress did not say yes or no. Albert Nongrum openly wept and had to be consoled by the Chief Executive Member and leader of the House, P.N. Syiem.

The no-confidence relate for non withdrawal of rule 128 allowing non-tribals in participating in the District Council elections, appointment of agents for issuing labour licence and issuing of illegal trading license.

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Is Meghalaya Congress facing an erosion?

The Meghalaya Congress, while the rains are still in sway, is facing erosion, which include stalwarts and veteran leaders, such as Rowell Lyngdoh, Prestone Tynsong, who basically are not against the principle of the party, but of the way and manner the party chief and also Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, had sidelined the trusted lieutenants of the party.

It seems that these leaders and followers, would sail in another political boat under the flagship of the National Peoples Party (NPP).

Former Deputy Chief Minister Rowell Lyngdoh, recalled that if the All India Congress Committee would have changed its attitude and also the party leader, since 2015-16, the party would have been united and stronger, specially before the ensuing polls, bringing in much more better results. His concluding line however, has still a shimmering hope for the Congress, that “the people still love the Congress Party, but not the leadership”.

EP Desk

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MeCL protest entered third day

The protest by the casual workers of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd (MeCL) entered third day. Over1200 regular casual workers of the MeCL participated in their ongoing peaceful agitation during lunch time. The protest is seen in various parts of Meghalaya including Shillong, Umiam, Kyrdemkulai, Jowai, Khliehriat, Tura, Phulbari, Ampati, Baghmara, Garobadha, Mendipathar, Nongstoin, Mairang and Mawkyrwat. The MeECL workers are protesting against the illegal contract being framed by the management which they have refused to sign as it clashes with many labour laws regarding working conditions, wages, and benefits. 

The worker said the contract does not have provisions for PF, ESI Health Benefit, Bonus, Gratuity, Earned Leave, Overtime etc., which are mandatory in all employment contracts. 

The workers previously have written petitions to the management expressing about their grievances but till date the management continues to counter the workers through legal norms which prompt the workers to go on strike.

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PDF unveil its Symbol

The People’s Democratic Party (PDF) has finally unveiled its “Candle” symbol ahead of the 2018 Assembly elections. Earlier this month the Election Commission has released the symbol for the PDF on 3rd October while party was informed early on 9th October. 

The party has also allowed Independent candidates to use candle as their symbol in the constituencies where the party does not field candidates. The unveiling of the election symbol of the PDF was attended by the party MDCs, ticket aspirants, and members.  “With the allotment of a symbol to the PDF, our party now is complete,” said the party President Ivanlum Marbaniang during the function at the party’s office in Nongrim Hills locality. The general secretary of the party, Auspicious Lyngdoh, said the manifesto of the party is being put together and experts as well as youth are involved in the process.

Lyngdoh also informed the gathering that the candidates will be announced once the election committee is formed. As of now the party is in the process of forming the district committees and election committee whose duty is to decide on the candidates.  The party is confident to feild candidates in all the 36 seats of Khasi-Jaintia Hills and also try to influence in the Garo Hills where the region constitute of 24 seats.