Striking the ‘Power’ Chord: NPP, TMC Get Bands, Musicians to Bring Meghalaya Voters within Range

A band performance, supporters cheer, thunderous applause and then… an appeal for votes. These are scenes of “high-decibel” campaigning in Meghalaya, India’s music hub, as political parties use genres from western to folk to connect with voters, barely a month before assembly elections.

At a recent National People’s Party (NPP) rally, flag-waving youth and women supporters of the party danced as Shillong-based band ‘Colours’ enthralled the audience with their live performance. Amid calls for ‘Vote for NPP’, the children continued to steal the show as they broke into a dance.

Not far behind, the Meghalaya Trinamool Congress (TMC) launched campaign songs in two languages ​​- Khasi and Garo – simultaneously in Shillong and Tura. The songs – Hoi Kiew Haka TMC in Khasi and Ahovi Inchrona in Garo – call upon the people to march with the Meghalaya TMC towards development and change. TMC State President Charles Pingrope launched the Khasi version along with Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien, while TMC Legislature Party leader Dr Mukul Sangma presented Garo singing at the Tura party office, among other leaders and the media.

Dr. Mukul Sangma said, “Our campaign song speaks for itself. It is in line with the hopes and aspirations of our dear people from all walks of life. It is a reflection of the pulse of the people and our resolve to meet the needs of our people. The song conveys our commitment to address the concerns of the youth who are victims of unemployment and other issues. This campaign song talks about the change that is needed and is inevitable. It is also a replica of the spirit of unity among the people of Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills. Derek O’Brien said, ‘The focus of the Meghalaya TMC is ‘of the people of Meghalaya, for the people of Meghalaya and by the people of Meghalaya’. Even something like the campaign song and its video were written, visualized and edited by people from Meghalaya.

politicians don’t miss a beat

During their campaigns, most politicians are accompanied by local folk singers and dancers, some even hire DJs.

Politicians in Meghalaya not only love music but are also musicians themselves, be it Chief Minister Konrad Sangma or Leader of Opposition and TMC leader Dr. Mukul Sangma or Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker and United Democratic Party President Metbah Lyngdoh. Deputy Chief Minister Preston Tynsong’s dance has its own fan following.

Several videos of Conrad Sangma playing the popular number on electric guitar have gone viral on social media.

Election Commission also sings the same tune

even in the state Election The Commission (EC) makes videos and organizes concerts asking people to exercise their franchise.

‘Vote for sure’, ‘Let’s get inked’, ‘Decide to vote’, ‘I will vote’, ‘I believe what I can do with my vote’ are some of the messages the election department is trying to spread. doing.

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