Shillong Jan 31: Former Mylliem MLA Pynshai Manik Syiem has filed his nomination papers on Tuesday.
The three-time former legislator is banking on past experience to represent the seat again.
Syiem was accompanied by his daughter Teilinia Thangkhiew, who is also a former chairperson of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
“I am hundred percent confident that I will win because of my past performance. What I have done in the last 15 years when I was MLA that itself will convince the people to re-elect me again,” he told reporters.
Syiem said the purpose of contesting is to rebuild the constituency and the only thing he offers to people is development.
The former MLA also said it will not be difficult for him to contest against a sitting legislator ( Hamlet Dohling) and a sitting MDC ( Ronnie Lyngdoh) as it is the people who have to decide. He refused to comment on the performance of the sitting legislator and said it is for the people to judge.
On the reason for contesting the election as an independent candidate, Syiem said, “Joining a political party is okay but you will not have the freedom of speech in the House which is most important. Suppose if I say anything on an issue which will affect the party in other parts, they will not allow me to speak.”
He said the NPP is not a strong opponent and added, “If NPP comes back to power we are finished, if they lose the election they are also finished.”
Daughter’s support
Extending full support to her father, Thangkhiew said looking at the current political scenario in the state, especially the poor debates in the Assembly, the state really needs statesmen and not mere politicians.
“We really need statesmen at this point in our state and that is the reason why I chose to support him. First and foremost he is my father and second he is a seasoned and well experienced politician,” she said.
