Two more Meghalaya CMs amongst 79 candidates filing nomination

Shillong, Feb 12 (UNI) Two former Chief Ministers E K Mawlong and J D Rymbai were among 79 candidates, who filed their nomination papers today for the March three Assembly polls in Meghalaya.

Mr Mawlong, who lost the Assembly polls from Umroi constituency in 2003, filed his candidature as the United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate.

He was pitted against sitting Congress MLA S W Rymbai.

Mr Rymbai, unceremoniously removed as Chief Minister and later denied a Congress ticket, filed his nomination as the UDP candidate from Jirang Assembly constituency.

Mr Rymbai, who won five Assembly elections on the Congress ticket from Jirang in Ri-Bhoi district, had expressed displeasure after Mr D D Lapang toppled his nine-month-old government.

Mr Rymbai was sworn in as Meghalaya Chief Minister on June 15 in 2006 after Congress MLAs ousted Mr Lapang as the Chief Minister.

Apart from the two, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Mukul Manda Sangma filed his nomination from Ampati constituency in West Garo Hills.

Former Forest and Environment Minister and Nationalist Congress Party candidate for Rangsakona Adolf Lu Hitler Marak also filed his nomination paper.

He was pitted against Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Zenith M Sangma of the Congress.

The last date of filing nomination is February 15 and last date of withdrawal is February 18.

Counting of votes will take place on March seven.

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