Shillong: Political parties in Meghalaya have stepped up preparations for the April 10 elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), announcing fresh batches of candidates and setting the stage for a keen multi-cornered contest across the region.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday unveiled a list of 19 nominees for the 30-member council.
Among the prominent names is state vice president and sitting MDC from Tura, Bernard N Marak. The party has also fielded Mark Pantora M Sangma from Siju and Akki A Sangma from Barengapara.
The BJP candidates include Wilnath T Sangma (Amongpara), Repsin M Sangma (Dengnakpara), Drojil D Sangma (Boldamgre), Salibirth M Sangma (Nogorpara), Bhupandra Hajong (Zikzak), Hiralal Koch (Betasing), Jeberth M Sangma (Rochonpara), Rikse K Marak (Balachanda), Clement Marak (Batabari), John Keats Sangma (Shyamnagar), Rahinath Barchung (Naguapara), Barning Marak (Rongrong), Sengpan K Marak (Bolsong), Bikash G Momin (Damas), Sengsrang R Marak (Kharkutta) and Charles T Sangma (Samandagre).
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), meanwhile, released its second list comprising 10 candidates, a report said.
State election committee chairman O K Sangma said the party had earlier declared six nominees and cleared the latest names after a meeting held on March 2.
He added that a third and final list would be announced after March 6.
The NCP’s newly announced candidates are Kingstone Bolwari Marak (Batabari), Kraistone Marak (Asanang), Baithiram A Sangma (Dengnakpara), Bina Rosaline A Sangma (Betasing), Gracefield Ch Marak (Nogorpara), Arnarson Ch Marak (Rongrikimgre), Dominic Ch Sangma (Balachanda), Daniel M Sangma (Rochonpara), Senggam K Sangma (Siju Rongara) and Lordmountvyrythints G Momin (Amongpara).
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) also declared 14 candidates for constituencies in the Garo Hills region.
Party leaders said the selections were made following consultations at both district and state levels and expressed confidence of a strong showing in the council elections.
Polling to the GHADC will be held on April 10. Elections are scheduled for 29 seats, while one member will be nominated to the council.
