MPCC president Vincent H Pala on Tuesday said the party has rebel candidates in two constituencies of Garo Hills.
These include Salmanpara and Kharkutta constituency.
Recently, members of the Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress had staged a protest at Congress Bhavan in Tura over the allotment of tickets for the two constituencies.
They have also burned effigies of Pala, working president Deborah C Marak, and two other candidates, Saleng A Sangma of Gambegre and Billykid A Sangma from North Tura constituency.
Addressing media persons, Pala said that the party was left with no other option but to deny ticket to a youth leader from Salmanpara and another candidate from Kharkutta as “our top priority is winnability. Therefore, we have to sacrifice for the interest of the party.”
He said Gambegre legislator Saleng A Sangma had negotiated with the AICC in Delhi that he will join the party on condition that two seats are given to him – one his own seat and the other is neighbouring Salmanpara seat from where a youth leader of the party was supposed to get the ticket.
He said, “The MPCC had recommended the name of the youth leader but the AICC later on directed us that the seat should be given to Saleng. So the neighbouring seat of Salmanpara was given to Saleng’s man (Sinbath CH Marak). We have no other option but to give to him.”
He admitted that the party’s decision had evoked anger among the youth leaders.
“I also accept that the youth leader (Gambrig) has worked in the party for quite long and he has spent his time and resources to build for the constituency but above all it is not only the personal interest, it is the party interest. If the party directs what we have to do, that is what we have to do. I am very sorry…”
He said he is confident that with the joining of Saleng Sangma, the party will definitely win both the seats, Gambegre and Salmanpara. “So overall I think the party will not lose, the party will gain.”
For Kharkutta seat, Pala said that based on the suggestion of the leaders from Garo Hills, Deborah Marak, Billykid Sangma and Saleng Sangma, the party has decided to allot the party ticket to a local (Chireng Peter R Marak) from the constituency instead of one Omillo, whose name was earlier recommended by the Pradesh election committee (PEC). He said Omillo has joined the BJP.
He said the party is ready to face the elections and that he is confident that the party will win in 37 seats which include 25 in Khasi-Jaintia and 12-13 in Garo Hills.
“The Congress is well positioned this time when compared to other elections. We have declared candidates in advance. Everybody will be able to file their nomination right from today or tomorrow itself,” he said.