Shillong: Teibor Pathaw, a member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), formally resigned from the Executive Committee (EC) on Monday, marking a significant shift in the political scenario ahead of the upcoming elections.
Pathaw’s decision to contest the polls as an independent candidate from Mawlai has drawn widespread attention.
The resignation letter was handed over to KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyniaid Syiem.
Pathaw’s decision came in the wake of a public meeting held at Mawlai Nonglum, where residents of the area urged him to sever ties with the National People’s Party (NPP) and run independently.
Responding to this collective appeal, Pathaw expressed his respect for the will of his constituents and confirmed his intention to represent Mawlai as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections.
NPP names Sosthenes Sohtun as Jirang candidate
Meanwhile, in a related development, the NPP has finalised its candidate for the Jirang constituency following the resignation of sitting MDC Victor Rani.
During a meeting held in Byrnihat, the NPP Jirang Block leadership, including members of the National People’s Youth Front (NPYF) and the women’s wing, reached a unanimous decision to field sitting MLA Sosthenes Sohtun as their official candidate.
The decision comes amidst a brief but competitive selection process.
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Despite receiving applications from three other aspirants—Kitboklang Khongiong, Balawan Syiemiong, and Albertus Lapang—the party ultimately chose to endorse Sohtun, citing time constraints and the need for an experienced candidate following Rani’s resignation.
With campaigns set to intensify, the stage is now set for a dynamic and closely contested election season in the region.
