Shillong, Feb 22: NPP leader and Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh today expressed confidence on the poll prospect for the party in both Khasi and Jaintia Hills district councils.
“NPP in East Khasi Hills is far more comfortable. The people are now realizing and calling the bluff. So, we will do better this time,” she said, while asserting that the party will show improved outcomes in both Khasi and Jaintia hills district councils.
When asked, if parties NPP’s opponents could make any significant impact, she said, “No. The government in the state is of paramount importance. We are partners with the UDP, and we will partner again with the UDP. So, the people have a choice—vote for UDP or NPP,” she said.
On alliance with Congress party in district council, she said, “As of today, there’s a third and fourth force, and maybe even independents. These independent candidates are in touch with us”, she added.
On VPP’s tall claim, the minister said, “..tall promises made by them are going to be the cause of their own problems. It is not like NPP is creating a problem for anyone. But a party like that, which is very regional in nature—even in their approach, subject matters, and agendas—is creating problems for themselves.”
On post poll alliance with UDP, she said that the party is open to forming alliance with like-minded parties.
“… high likelihood that the coalition partnerships in the state government will influence the coalition partnerships in the District Council,” Lyngdoh added.
Lyngdoh said that NPP has a national presence and has the ability to engage with central leadership, while stating that no political party can work in the state without NPP.
“We are a people’s party and a national party, which means our presence is felt all the way to New Delhi, where everything happens. If you are alone in Parliament, you cannot say anything, you cannot do anything, you cannot achieve anything. Even in the District Council, if you are away from an easy coalition partnership, you again land up alone. The democracy in Meghalaya is so active, and the people are so perceptive. They know what they are talking about. We feel that in this election, we are back to local issues—the issues of the state.”
