Shillong (Meghalaya), May 28: The United Democratic Party has formally declared senior lawyer VGK Kynta as its candidate for the upcoming by-election to the Shillong Parliamentary seat, setting the stage for a multi-cornered contest in Meghalaya’s political heartland.
The announcement was made by UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh at a general body meeting of the party held at its office here on Thursday. The meeting, attended by party MLAs, MDCs, senior functionaries and a large gathering of supporters, unanimously accepted Kynta’s candidature. Lyngdoh said the party chose Kynta for his legal acumen and clean public image, factors the UDP believes will resonate with voters.
The by-election was necessitated after sitting Voice of the People Party MP Ricky Syngkon passed away earlier this year. Syngkon had won the seat in 2024, ending Congress veteran Vincent Pala’s long run.
Kynta will enter the fray as a joint candidate of the UDP and Hill State People’s Democratic Party. Other declared contenders include Dr. Batskhem Myrboh from VPP, Dr. D.R.L. Nongliat from the National People’s Party, and former MP Vincent Pala who is seeking a comeback on a Congress ticket.
UDP working president and Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh said the party is “leading the race” in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills. He pointed to the UDP’s 12 MLAs and its performance in the last Assembly polls as proof of its base. He added that voter “aversion towards the BJP” and Congress’ diminished presence give the UDP an opening. The NPP, he noted, has chosen to align with the BJP, which has traditionally struggled in Shillong.
The Shillong seat covers all 36 Assembly segments in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and has long been considered a Congress bastion. With the VPP emerging as a new force, the NPP banking on its state government record, and Congress fielding Pala again, UDP’s move to project Kynta is aimed at consolidating the regional vote.
Party sources said Kynta will begin constituency tours next week, focusing on youth, legal reforms, and protection of Sixth Schedule rights. The Election Commission is yet to notify the poll date.
