By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, March 26: At least four to five BJP leaders in Meghalaya have submitted applications to contest the upcoming Shillong Parliamentary bye-election, necessitated by the recent death of MP Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon.

Party sources confirmed that spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang and former president Ernest Mawrie are among those seeking the ticket, alongside several leaders from the Jaintia Hills.
When contacted, Kharkrang stated that while the state leadership intends to field a candidate, the final decision rests with the party's central command. "Since we are a national party, everything depends on our central leadership," he said.
Regarding electoral strategy, Kharkrang indicated that the state unit prefers to contest the election independently rather than in alliance with the NPP. "We have to think about our workers and members. They would prefer to work for the party rather than support another organisation with a different ideology," Kharkrang added.

Voter verification demand in disputed border areas

The State BJP, on the other hand, has called for strict verification of voter eligibility in disputed regions along the Assam-Meghalaya border, specifically highlighting Block I.
State BJP chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang raised concerns over irregularities in electoral rolls, questioning how individuals allegedly residing outside these jurisdictions continue to exercise voting rights there. He warned that instances of dual voting undermine the integrity of the electoral process and require immediate scrutiny by authorities.
"Individuals who do not possess valid voting rights in a particular area should not have any role in influencing electoral outcomes," Kharkrang said, noting that people from these regions have also been observed campaigning for various political parties.
He suggested that such cross-border political involvement raises questions regarding the legitimacy of the campaigning process.
Pointing to the unsettled status of these border areas, Kharkrang stated that questions surrounding population legitimacy and electoral participation will persist until clear resolutions are reached. He called for a verifiable framework to determine eligibility, urging authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.