Shillong, Feb 3: Though his wife and MDC Grace Kharpuri is an NPP candidate from Shella, former minister Don Massar does not see any problem in contesting as an Independent against sitting Pynursla MLA and deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong from the NPP as the constituency needs a change.
After filing his nomination papers, Massar told reporters that election in Pynursla is now very silent and “I think the people of Pynursla need a change.”
He recalled that during the Covid pandemic people of Pynursla had to go through hard times and said, “They did not get any relief or help.”
He said that he has always been there for the people of Pynursla and is confident to win the coming elections.
He did not want to comment on the performance of the MDA government.
Massar, however said, “We have seen in the youtube and whatever is happening let the people themselves decide on whatever the government has done. I cannot say on that…”
When asked, Massar said the trend is not only happening within his family. “We have seen in other states also, husband and wife fight on different issues. In the last general elections, I had fought from NPP and my wife had fought from PDF but whatever is the family matter, it remains inside the house and whatever is politics it goes out,” he said.
On his decision not to join other political parties, the former minister however said it does not depend on the uniform it depends on the person. “We have to vote for a person not a party and it all depends on the people,” he added.
HDR Lyngdoh
UDP candidate from Sohiong HDR Lyngdoh expressed confidence that he would be re-elected from Sohiong so that he could repair the damage done to the constituency in the last five years.
After filing his nomination paper, the former five-time legislator said, “I foresee the love and affection that the people have for me and definitely I will win without any contradiction…I will bounce back to power.”
The former Congress leader said, “I want to join the regional party to uplift the regionalism in the state with a national outlook.”
It is the voice of the people, they are crying and wanting that the party of regional entities should rule the state now,” he said.
He termed the performance of the NPP-led MDA government as disastrous.
Dasakhiat Lamare
NPP leader and cabinet minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare, who is contesting from Nongkrem, filed his nomination papers and assured to set up better health care facilities in Nongkrem constituency if elected.
Lamare is a sitting legislator of Mawhati constituency. He told reporters that he has decided to contest from Nongkrem constituency based on the people’s request.
“I have also taken this decision as per understanding with my supporters from Mawhati. My brother-in-law Shemphang Lyngdoh is contesting from Mawhati and no doubt my supporters will extend their full support to him,” Lamare said.
He also downplayed the issue of giving cash to the voters by saying that he was only helping the people.
