SHILLONG, JUL 7: Pynthorumkhrah MLA and senior BJP leader AL Hek on Tuesday ruled himself out of the race for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election and instead proposed the name of cabinet minister and South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai as the party’s candidate.
Hek said he had been approached by the party leadership to contest the by-poll, but declined citing other responsibilities.
“Initially, I was asked to contest the by-election. However, I informed the party that I have several other responsibilities to attend to at the moment. Therefore, I will not be able to contest. The final decision now rests with the party,” Hek told reporters here.
The veteran BJP leader said he has recommended Shullai’s name to the central leadership for consideration.
“I have proposed his name. We will now wait for the national leadership to take a call. Whoever is nominated, we will accept the decision and contest strongly,” he stated.
Hek also dismissed concerns over the delay in announcing a candidate, saying the party still has time before the election.
“We still have time until around November 20. That gives us ample opportunity to declare our candidate. The election is still 5 to 6 months away, so this cannot be termed a delay. A preparation period of 3 to 4 months is more than adequate for a by-election,” he said.
The Shillong Parliamentary seat fell vacant following the demise of the sitting MP.
The Election Commission is yet to announce the schedule for the by-election.
