Shillong, Nov 5: National People’s Party (NPP) leader and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has downplayed reports about his alleged “cold war” with fellow Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, asserting that they work as a team.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Dhar termed baseless reports that suggested discord between the two deputy chief ministers and demanded an apology from the media outlets concerned.
“We are very united, we are one,” Dhar said, adding that he, Tynsong, and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma are working together in harmony.
He described the NPP government as a “big and happy family” with no room for internal strife.
Regarding speculation about party ticket distribution for 2028 elections, Dhar said it was premature to discuss the matter and said that the focus should be on development rather than electoral politics at this juncture.
He expressed confidence in the NPP’s prospects, stating that the party is poised to win with an absolute majority in 2028, breaking records as it has done in the past.
“No party so far has got 33 MLAs, only the NPP. We used to break records and we will break more in 2028 with absolute majority,” he said.
NPP eyes thumping majority in GHADC polls
Meanwhile, Dhar said the NPP has aimed at winning a thumping majority in the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
“My plan is to work hard to make sure our party should win,” he said.
Referring to GHADC salary issue, he said the response to the NPP’s efforts has been “very positive,” with GHADC employees expressing happiness over the government’s swift and smooth action.
On ticket distribution, Dhar said the party prefers sitting MDCs for every election, but it’s too early to decide on candidates. “The question of denying ticket does not arise at all,” he emphasized.
No change to party symbol
He also downplayed another speculation about fate of NPP’s book symbol in the wake formation of a political front comprising parties, including NPP, from North Eastern states.
“That is our symbol, book, why should it change? Who told you? Confusion is for others but not for our party,” Dhar said expressing surprise over the speculation.
Meanwhile, he said it’s too early to discuss potential changes and that the party will continue to be part of the North Eastern Democratic Alliance (NEDA) for now.
Regarding the Rajya Sabha seat, Dhar said there are no plans to make changes, and the party respects its current MP as a senior member.
“…in our party we never decide alone… we always take the senior leaders into confidence and discuss any matter,” he said.
