Shillong, Feb 17: The ruling NPP ahead of the autonomous district council (ADC) elections has expressed confidence over public trust reposed on the party due to the “comprehensive development” taken place in the state.
“The NPP is now embraced by the people as it moves forward on the path of comprehensive development,” said Gardinal Sohshang, NPP candidate for Mawshynrut constituency under Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
The ADC election will be held on February 21.
“My campaign is going well and people are showing their interest and hope in NPP because the present government is run by the NPP,” said Sohshang during his campaign at Jenepih, Riangdo in West Khasi Hills district.
He further promised 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.
The bill seeks to penalise 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 proper administration of clans to preserve and strengthen the Khasi matrilineal system, ensuring protection of their interests and preventing individuals from falsely claiming Khasi status for benefits, concessions, or privileges granted to Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Meanwhile, he said among the six candidates for Mawshynrut constituency, his main opponent is the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP).”
The constituency has over 40,000 voters, including around 10,000 Garo voters and the rest belonging to Khasi community.
In the last assembly election in 2023, HSPDP candidate Methodius Dkhar defeated NPP candidate and former MLA Gigur Myrthong by a margin of 5,187 votes.
He also pointed out that compared to 2023 assembly election, where only three to four political parties contested for Mawshynrut, several parties, including NPP, BJP, INC, HSPDP, VPP, UDP, and an independent candidate — are in the race.
Barring four constituencies among 29 in KHADC, the NPP is contesting 25 seats.
The four seats are – Mawlai (20), Jaiaw (19), Laban-Mawprem (15), and Nongkrem (8).
