Conrad downplays berth reports

SHILLONG: With media reports suggesting that NPP president Conrad K. Sangma is bargaining for a berth in the Union Cabinet and the deputy chief minister’s post in Manipur for its support to BJP, the Tura MP has made it clear that such arrangements would come at a later stage.
Sangma told The Shillong Times on Monday that NPP is part of the NDA alliance in New Delhi and “it is natural that the party will support the BJP-led alliance in Manipur”.
There are reports that Sangma would be given a minister of state berth, similar to what his sister Agatha held during the UPA regime. Sangma, however, said NPP decided to support the BJP-led alliance since “it will be beneficial for Manipur to have a BJP-led government with the NDA at the Centre”.
“Right now our focus is on forming a stable and pro-people government for the overall development of the state and other issues will come at a later stage,” he added.