Shillong, Feb 17: “The NPP is now embraced by the people as it moves forward on the path of comprehensive development,” said Gardinal Sohshang, NPP candidate for the 29-Mawshynrut District Council Constituency, ahead of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) elections scheduled for February 21.

“Therefore, my campaign is going well and people are showing their interest and hope in the National People’s Party (NPP) because the present Meghalaya state government is run by the NPP,” said Gardinal Sohshang from his residence in Jenepih village, Riangdo, West Khasi Hills District.

Gardinal Sohshang further stated that, if elected, he would work to protect Khasi customary laws, strengthen village administration, and support the Khasi Social Custom of Clan Administration Bill, 2020. It is worth mentioning that the bill seeks to penalize non-tribals who use Khasi surnames and aims to codify and regulate the Kur (clan) system of the Khasi-Jaintia tribe. Additionally, it provides for the proper administration of clans to preserve and strengthen the Khasi society’s traditional matrilineal system, ensuring the protection of their interests and preventing individuals from falsely claiming Khasi status for benefits, concessions, or privileges granted to Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Speaking about the election, Gardinal expressed his views: “Though six other candidates are contesting in the KHADC election from the Mawshynrut constituency, my main opponent remains the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP).” He noted that the constituency has over 40,000 voters, including approximately 10,000 from the Garo community, with the rest belonging to the Khasi community. Gardinal expects to secure between 15,000 and 20,000 votes in this election.

However, it is worth mentioning that in the last Meghalaya State Assembly election in 2023, HSPDP candidate Methodius Dkhar defeated NPP candidate and former MLA Gigur Myrthong by a margin of 5,187 votes.

Gardinal stated: “Compared to the 2023 Meghalaya State Assembly election, where only three to four political parties contested in this constituency, this time, several parties—including NPP, BJP, INC, HSPDP, VPP, UDP, and an independent candidate—are in the race. Therefore, I am fully confident of winning in Mawshynrut. The people of this constituency understand that the NPP runs the state government and that an NPP candidate will bring development here. That is why I am confident of victory in the KHADC election.”

It is also noteworthy that the NPP is contesting in 25 out of the 29 KHADC constituencies. The party has not fielded candidates in four constituencies: Mawlai (20), Jaiaw (19), Laban-Mawprem (15), and Nongkrem (8).

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