Staff Reporter
SHILLONG:
United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for Pynursla and popular singer Anthony Kongwang has refuted allegations that he is discreetly working for the National People’s Party (NPP).
“The allegations are all wrong. Whatever has gone round is only a misunderstanding. Who would be foolish to divide the votes,” he said.
On the other hand, he is optimistic after joining the UDP.
He said, “UDP is the largest regional party in the state. Last general assembly elections, they won six seats; the people gave them only six seats.”
Kongwang is all set to face Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong from Pynursla constituency in the upcoming election.
The 51-year-old from Kongwang village, Pynursla had earlier unsuccessfully contested the 2014 Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council elections on a Congress ticket.
Kongwang has delivered popular disco trance Khasi songs such as “Haba phi wiat”, “La kum tiewkulap”, “Tarak tak tak” to name a few.
Known to be close to Tynsong, Kongwang’s resignation from the National People’s Party (NPP) had then caused a stir in political circles.
Speaking to The Meghalayan, he said, “I did not agree with his policies. There is some development in the constituency, but it is still lacking a lot, be it road connectivity, education etc.”
He refused to comment on the UDP favouring him instead of Edmund Khongngai, who is contesting from the All India Trinamool Congress.
Khongngai had earlier claimed that he had had talks with the UDP, but the party’s Pynursla circle has no authority and had to rely on the UDP higher-ups.
Kongwang was earlier in the Congress before switching to NPP and finally to the UDP.
Asked if he will continue to sing, Kongwang said that he will, and also added that talented people should be getting the opportunity to showcase their talent.
The singer, who has also directed four Khasi films, said, “There is not even a theatre dedicated to Khasi films. I have always aspired to have a theatre.”