SHILLONG: NCP, which is currently part of the Congress government, will keep equal distance from the Congress and BJP in the State in the 2018 polls.
NCP is hoping for a post-poll alliance with likeminded parties, especially the regional group, while the party is preparing to contest alone in 2018.
Ruling out any pre-poll alliance, Independent legislator Saleng Sangma, who was entrusted by the NCP central leadership including Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel, to revamp the party in Khasi-Garo Hills, told The Shillong Times on Sunday that many prominent leaders, including some legislators, are keen to join the party.
Saleng said soon he will officially join NCP which currently has two legislators – Sanbor Shullai and Marthon Sangma.
Though there are rumours that Shullai may join BJP, Saleng has ruled out the move and added that he will stick with NCP.
“Our leader Sanbor Shullai is currently the party president and he is having more influence and power being in NCP than joining any other party,” Saleng said.
Saleng admitted that there are offers to Shullai from various quarters but asserted that the former deputy speaker will continue to lead NCP.
Asked about Marthon, who is inclined to join the Congress, Saleng said NCP will field candidates in Khasi and Garo Hills whether or not Marthon is in the party.
He also hinted that in the coming days, there will be many surprises as several leaders are attracted to the party.
Though late leader P.A Sangma, one of the architects of NCP, had floated the new political outfit NPP prior to the 2013 Assembly polls, Shullai did not join the NPP fold and fielded several candidates registering win in two seats.
