SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) is considering a strategic shift for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, with party president Vincent H. Pala hinting at fielding a “fresh face” while potentially pivoting his own focus toward state-level politics.
The by-election was necessitated by the untimely demise of sitting MP Dr. Ricky A. J. Syngkon on February 19, 2026. Syngkon, representing the Voice of the People Party (VPP), had famously defeated Pala in the 2024 General Elections by a landslide margin of over 3.7 lakh votes .
Speaking to the press, Pala criticized the VPP for its “early” announcement of spokesperson Dr. Batskhem Myrboh as their candidate. He emphasized that the Congress would not engage in formal political discussions until a month had passed since Syngkon’s death.
“His family members are still in mourning… I don’t feel it’s right to speak politics at this stage,” Pala stated. “I feel the VPP forgot that he passed away hardly 12–15 days ago.”
While confirming that Congress will “100 percent” contest the seat, Pala suggested that the time may be right for a generational change. The three-time former MP indicated he is inclined to let a new candidate take the mantle for the parliamentary seat while he concentrates on strengthening the party’s presence within Meghalaya.
Speculation is already mounting within political circles that Manuel Badwar , Secretary of the MPCC, is being considered as a frontrunner for the ticket. However, Pala clarified that no official decision has been reached.
He said, the final candidate will be decided in consultation with the All India Congress Committee (AICC), adding that the party plans to invite aspirants to express interest once the formal process begins. Pala’s potential move to state politics signals a long-term play for the next Assembly elections.
Following the massive shift in voter sentiment during the 2024 elections, the Congress appears to be prioritizing a revitalized image to reclaim its former stronghold.
“In Congress, you cannot decide for yourself,” Pala noted. “If we can get a new face, which I really want… I thought that I should concentrate on State Politics and someone else should go and contest MP.”
