MDA coalition partners set to lock horns for Ranikor seat

Staff Correspondent

Shillong, June 26: Electoral battles in constituencies will not affect the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government (MDA) in the state even as there has been a subtle tussle between the constituents within the present coalition.

Soon after the five-time Congress MLA from Ranikor Martin Danggo resigned as a legislator with the intention to re-contest from the same seat as an NPP, the United Democratic party (UDP), a partner in the NPP-led government announced on Monday that it will also contest the by-polls. The Congress has also mobilized its own set-up after Martin Dangoo left in a huff. While two parties of the same coaliation are preparing to fight each other, speaking to The Sentinel Deputy CM and NPP leader Prestone Tynsong said, “ We are committed to the MDA alliance while we fight for any seat with different flags, ideologies.”

“Don’t be confused, this is an alliance and there is no obstruction for any of our alliance partner to contest the by-election”, even as he negated the notion that the main opponent (Congress) will have an extra edge this time around.

The NPP is set to field Martin Danggo as the candidate and the UDP has Pius Marwein, a runner up in two polls and going for his third attempt. The Congress has not named any candidate.