Party threatens legal action against Assam council chief
Shillong, May 12: The National People’s Party (NPP) has strongly clarified that it is “not anyone’s B-team” and that it had “no understanding” with any party in the recent Assam elections.
The NPP clarification came in the wake of an allegation made by Assam’s North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) chief Debolal Gorlosa in connection with NPP fielding Daniel Langthasa from Haflong (ST) constituency.
Condemning Gorlosa’s remark made during NCHAC platinum jubilee celebration at Haflong on May 11, NPP national working president James K Sangma said, “Shri Debolal Gorlosa’s attempt to brand the NPP as anyone’s ‘B-team’ is not only completely false, but also a revealing reflection of a deeply insecure and petty political mindset.”
The NPP leader demanded an unconditional public apology from Gorlosa within 48 hours, failing which the party would initiate legal action.
Making the party’s stand clear, Sangma said, “Let us state this in the clearest possible terms: The National People’s Party is not, has never been, and will never be anyone’s ‘B-team’.”
In a statement, the NPP leader asserted that it is a national party with its own ideology and mandate. “The suggestion that NPP requires validation, approval, or strategic instruction from another political party before contesting elections is not merely false—it is insulting to the intelligence of the electorate,” he said.
Sangma clarified that the decision to field Daniel Langthasa as the NPP candidate from Haflong (ST) in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections was taken independently.
“There was no discussion, no consultation, no understanding, and no political arrangement whatsoever with the BJP or any other political formation regarding this decision,” he said.
He termed Gorlosa’s reference to discussions allegedly involving NPP National President and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma as “an outright fabrication.”
“Making such baseless allegations without a shred of evidence is irresponsible, defamatory, and unbecoming of someone holding constitutional office,” James Sangma said.
“It appears that rather than addressing genuine public concerns relating to governance, development, and the aspirations of the people of Dima Hasao, Shri Garlosa has chosen the familiar route of distraction, misinformation, and character assassination,” he added.
“The people of Dima Hasao are politically aware, mature, and discerning. They will see through such desperate attempts at misinformation,” Sangma said, adding that the NPP remains “steadfast in its independent political identity and unwavering in its commitment to democracy, tribal rights, constitutional protections, and the development aspirations of the hill people.”
