SHILLONG, JULY 6: The United Democratic Party (UDP) on Wednesday announced the name of Dr Aman War, a retired Director of Health Services (MI) as its official candidate from Shillong North in the upcoming 2023 assembly elections.
Dr War was formally welcomed by the UDP chief and Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh at a meeting held at the Khasi National Durbar Hall, Mawkhar in presence of the party legislators and leaders.
Addressing the meeting, Lyngdoh urged the people of Shillong North to extend their full support to Dr War as candidate of the UDP.
“With the kind of support we are getting, I have no doubt that the party will not only perform well in North Shillong but the entire Khasi – Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills region,” he said.
Lyngdoh said the party will be setting up candidates in the Garo Hills region as well. He also expressed confidence that the party will cross the halfway mark by getting more than 30 seats in 2023.
The UDP chief further informed that many sitting legislators from other political parties have expressed their interest to contest from the UDP.
The UDP at present has 8 MLAs in the 60-member House.
In his speech, Dr War said some are of the opinion that I join politics very late considering that I am 58 years old and had just retired from office.
“But I want to reply this by saying that although I am 58 year old but I still feel as young as a 27 year old and with my 37 years of experience, I assure you that I will work hard to ensure the aspirations of the people (of North Shillong) are fulfilled,” he added.
He said that the winds of change should start this constituency.
The occasion also marked the birth anniversary of the APHLC.
Recalling the contribution of the APHLC, Dr War however said, “Although we embraced that past, it is time to forge ahead, to work together and lead our state to the stature that it deserves in all fields. It is not easy considering the current state it is in but I promise that I will work diligently with your support and encouragement.”
Admitting that he is still very new to politics, the retired DHS (MI) said that he is ready and willing to learn from the best leaders that are in the UDP.
“I may lack experience but I will make up with determination, sincerity and dedication,” he said.