Shillong Mar 28: Independent candidate from Shillong Lok Sabha constituency, T.H.S. Bonney on Thursday urged leaders and party workers of the Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) to support him in the upcoming elections slated for April 11.

Bonney was allotted ‘key’ as his election symbol.

“It was the circumstances that forced me to contest as an Independent, and I urge the people of Shillong Lok Sabha constituency to support me in this election,” Bonney told reporters.

The KHNAM candidate-turned Independent candidate said that he has no hard feelings for having lost the chance to contest as KHNAM candidate, and urged all leaders and workers of KHNAM to support him.

To a question, whether the lone MLA of KHNAM from North Shillong Assembly constituency, Adelbert Nongrum would support him in this election since he has now become an Independent candidate, Bonney said that Nongrum is free to support him.

“The provisions related to anti-defection under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution will not restrict Nongrum, being the lone MLA of the party in Assembly. According to provisions of the tenth Schedule, 75 percent of the party legislature can merge with another legislature party. Nongrum, being the lone MLA, he is 100 per cent in the KHNAM legislature party,” Bonney said.

Bonney said that if elected as Member of Parliament from Shillong, his priority is to work towards transforming the system of education.

“Education is the main issue among other important issues that I will concentrate if elected as MP, and I strongly believed that quality education is the key that can bring change in the state,” Bonney said.