SHILLONG: The National People’s Party (NPP) has set the political stage alight in Meghalaya after releasing its first list of candidates for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
The party announced 24 candidates in its initial list, marking the formal launch of its campaign in the Garo Hills region. However, the most striking development was the decision to deny a ticket to sitting Chief Executive Member (CEM) Albinush R Marak, triggering widespread political debate.
In a move that surprised many, the NPP chose not to re-nominate Albinush R Marak from the Siju constituency, despite his senior position in the Council. Party leaders indicated that the decision was taken after a detailed internal review focused on electoral performance and ground-level support.
NPP spokesperson Marquise N Marak confirmed that the State Committee, under the leadership of State President Prestone Tynsong, scrutinised all recommendations forwarded by the Regional Committee.
“It was a difficult decision to drop the sitting CEM, but the party had to prioritise winnability in Siju,” Marquise said. “We urge him to demonstrate party spirit and support the new candidate.”
Party sources revealed that each candidate was evaluated on four key parameters — winnability, loyalty to the party, public integrity and political experience.
The candidates cleared by the party in the first phase are — Siju: Calis G. Momin, Wagesik: Jewil S. Marak, Gasuapara: Sengchim N. Sangma, Barengapara: Kapilson A. Sangma, Babelapara: Rakesh A. Sangma, Amongpara: Balsrang Arengh, Tura: Charmingstar N. Sangma, Dengnakpara: Kredithson Ch. Marak, Nogorpara: Linekar K. Sangma, Zikzak: Sanjay A. Sangma, Betasing: Sanjay Koch, Rochonpara: Arbinstone B. Marak, Asanang: Anseng A. Sangma, Balachanda: Andresh Ch. Marak, Batabari: Maxwell M. Sangma, Shyamnagar: Peterjop A. Sangma, Jengjal: Grahambell A. Sangma, Rongrong: Sunny Rogers G. Momin, Bolsong: Pongseng R. Sangma, Damas: Dolly K. Sangma, Kharkutta: Mody M. Sangma, Samandagre: Nihim D. Shira, Darugre: Henen R. Sangma and Williamnagar: Sengbath R. Marak.
Five constituencies—Raksamgre, Naguapara, Boedamgre, Silkigre, and Rongikkimgre—have been kept pending. Party leaders said that a second list will be released after final consultations.
Several seats reportedly witnessed intense competition, with up to seven aspirants vying for nomination.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has reportedly been holding personal meetings with disappointed ticket aspirants to maintain party unity and prevent internal dissent.
Party leaders believe this strategy will help consolidate support and strengthen the NPP’s position in the Garo Hills ahead of the polls.
With high-profile exclusions, strategic nominations, and more announcements expected, the GHADC elections are shaping up to be a closely watched political contest in Meghalaya.
