NPP eyes absolute majority in 2028 assembly elections
Shillong, May 8: Dr DRL Nonglait, the NPP candidate for Shillong Lok Sabha bye-election, has “zero” personal anti-incumbency, NPP national vice-president and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar told reporters on Friday while asserting that the party committed to ensuring his win victory.
The National People’s Party (NPP) officially announced Dr Nonglait’s candidature at a meeting attended by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday.
Asked about anti-incumbency, Dhar said, “I don’t know whether it is there or not. Let us see, because we have to work hard to make him win. That is the commitment from the party side.”
Referring to Dr Nonglait’s as having “no political baggage”, he said, “He is very genuine. He has stated the reason why he entered politics. Since he is a fresh face and new candidate, I think anti-incumbency personally to him may be zero.”
“If there are any lapses here and there from the party, I think we will be able to make it up,” he said.
Stating NPP’s objective of winning clear majority in the next Assembly polls, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “In 2028, I think we will be able to win a solid majority. Why I say that is because lot of work has been happening on the ground as I speak,” he said.
NPP yet to decide on Rajya Sabha seat
The Deputy Chief Minister, meanwhile, said the party has not finalised its candidate for the upcoming election to the state’s lone Rajya Sabha seat.
Even as there is growing support in Garo Hills to nominate former minister James Sangma, the NPP has not taken the final call yet.
“We are yet to take a decision. Let his tenure complete first then we will sit as a party,” Dhar said while referring to current incumbent Dr WR Kharlukhi.
Dr Kharlukhi was elected to the Upper House in June 2020. Rajya Sabha terms run for six years.
Asked if the nomination should go to a leader from a specific region, Dhar dismissed the idea of regional considerations.
“…we never think region wise,” he said.
“…it is a collective decision.” he said, adding, “NPP is a very disciplined party. We always take everything on board.”
