SOHIONG:
Candidate of the National People’s Party (NPP) and former sitting MLA Samlin Malngiang, on May 10, cast his vote for the adjourned bye election to the Sohiong assembly constituency.
Exuding confidence about retaining Sohiong seat, Malngiang expects a victory margin of over 100 votes and assured to uplift the constituency in different sectors like rural economy, livelihood, employment, agriculture, health and education.
“These are not fake promises. I have done many things for the constituency and going forward, I will work towards uplifting all the villages – their economy and livelihood and my focus will be on the agriculture sector (sic),” he said.
Reacting to allegations on lack of development in the constituency, Malngiang said, “Opposition will always blame. That is what they do. They say there is lack of development but the people know better. They have seen my work and voters know that I am a genuine person to be retained as an MLA.”
To a question on the fight between NPP and UDP being a friendly match, the NPP candidate said, “Yes, we are partners in the MDA II government but election is election.”
Malngiang also hinted at the possibility of a change in the political scenario in the state. “We expect the functioning of the government will change. We have more MLAs now; if I win, we will cross 35, with the support of our partners (BJP, HSPDP and Independents) – without UDP,” he added.
In the MDA II coalition, the NPP has 28 MLAs, UDP has 11, two MLAs each of the BJP, HSPDP, and independents. Without the UDP, the NPP-ruling alliance sits comfortable with 34 MLAs, sans Sohiong MLA.
Voting in this constituency will continue till 4 pm today. Counting will be held on May 13 in Shillong.