Shillong, Aug 3: The two incumbent MLAs of the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) are set to leave the party to contest the Assembly elections next year from different party.

The two MLAs are PHE Minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar from Mawkyrwat Constituency and former Cabinet Minister Samlin Malngiang from Sohiong.

Speculations are rife that Tongkhar will be contesting from the United Democratic Party (UDP) while Malngiang will be contesting on a National People’s Party (NPP) ticket.

Panborlang L Ryntathiang, the General Secretary of the HSPDP, has confirmed that speculations regarding Tongkhar are true while he was uncertain about Malngiang since the MLA hasn’t yet met the party leaders to discuss his future plans.

“We have already announced the party candidature of Medalsing Lyngdoh Tongkhar for the next election from the Mawkyrwat Constituency. With regards to the Sohiong MLA… till date we are trying to meet (him), (so that) the senior vice-president Martel Mukhim (can) speak to him (Samlin Malngiang) to understand his views weather he will be contesting from our party or leave our party”, said Ryntathiang.