Shillong, Aug 19: The ruling Congress will start distributing forms in the last week of this month in order to know in advance the number of aspirants who wanted to contest for the upcoming Assembly election to be held next year.
The move came at a time when reports suggested that a number of sitting Congress MLAs would leave the party, and contest the upcoming election from other parties.
Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President, told reporters on Saturday that his party would not wast time in identify MLAs who wanted to leave the party.
“We don’t care and we don’t have time. We don’t feel it is necessary to identify them (MLAs) because election forms will be distributed by the last week of this month. Those who want to apply (ticket) from Congress will come and take their application form, and those who will not take, they will not be with us. They are free to decide for better future. Those who think that Congress is not a good place for them, they will find a better place, and we should not stand on the way,” Lapang said.
Stating that those who will apply for ticket will be with Congress, Lapang said that the fact remains that there is no dearth of candidates who are capable and potential in the Congress.
“Many parties may not be able to do, but we will set up 60 candidates in all 60 Assembly constituencies. Any amount of candidates may apply, but 60 capable and potential candidates will be placed in all the constituencies,” he said.
When asked if some of MLAs would join other parties , the MPCC chief said, “we don’t know but we are sure we will be in the government. We are sure that all regional and national parties or any party in Meghalaya can beat the Congress because the biggest number and single largest party is the Congress.”
He also claimed the Congress would continue to be in the government
On the number of seat that Congress would win, Lapang said that candidates will be in 60 seats, but winning seats would be counted after the voting.
“I am neither a fortune teller nor an astrologer, but I assure you, we are and we will be in the government,” Lapang claimed.
He also said that the Congress has always alerted and prepared for the election.
“Since elections are coming, one year ago we have already made the party prepared. Our office and organization is very functional and we have got our own offices in every part. Election is a known agenda and there is nothing which is caught unaware for us,” he said.
On the BJP’s criticisms of the Congress-led government in the state, Lapang said, “I have got nothing to say, but the people will reply them (BJP). Elections are coming, and they will get the reply appropriately.”