The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Meghalaya have put the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), a key ally of the NDA, in the spotlight as they have already announced their candidates for both Lok Sabha seats in the state.
This move has created a strategic dilemma for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is aiming to balance alliance unity with its electoral ambitions.
The NPP has selected Agatha Sangma, the sister of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and the current MP from Tura, as its candidate for the Tura constituency. Meanwhile, Ampareen Lyngdoh, the state education minister, has been nominated for the Shillong seat.
In contrast, the BJP is yet to finaliSe its candidates. The party has a pool of contenders, including veteran legislator A L Hek, former state president Ernest Mawrie, BJYM president Mewaker Lyngdoh, national executive member Sumitra Laloo, and advocate Fenela Lyngdoh Nonglait.
There are speculations that the NPP is exerting pressure on the BJP not to field any candidates, but the BJP, with only two legislators in the state, is eager to strengthen its presence. However, the potential entry of the BJP into both seats could complicate the electoral equation for NPP candidates.
In a strategic move, Meghalaya Chief Minister Sangma recently announced that the NPP would not contest the two Lok Sabha seats in Arunachal Pradesh and would instead support the BJP nominees there. This development has further complicated matters for the BJP in Meghalaya, as it has not yet made any similar announcements.
In Shillong, the electoral battle is expected to be intense, with incumbent Vincent H Pala of the Congress, Ampareen Lyngdoh of the NPP, Robertjune Kharjahrin representing a regional party alliance, and Dr Ricky J Syngkon of the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) vying for the 13,14,036 electorates.
In Tura, Agatha Sangma faces competition from Congress’ Saleng Sangma and potentially a BJP candidate. The seat, with 10,11,676 electorates, poses a significant challenge for all contenders.
For the BJP, navigating this complex political landscape requires delicately balancing the aspirations of its contenders, such as Tura MDC Bernard N Marak, former MLAs Winnerson D Sangma and KC Boro, while maintaining its alliance with the NPP.