NONGPOH: The National People’s Party (NPP) got a shot in the arm on Tuesday when prominent Congress leaders, upset over “Mukul Sangma’s dictatorship”, joined the regional entity.
The move is a setback for MPCC president DD Lapang, who currently represents Nongpoh constituency
Among those who joined NPP in a public meeting at Umbuda playground here are C.B Syiem, former KHADC CEM and erstwhile president of Nongpoh Block Congress Committee, Constantine Lyngdoh, former MLA from Nongpoh, and Augustine Wahlang, former general secretary of Nongpoh Block Congress Committee.Syiem, who was once a supporter of DD Lapang, led hundreds of senior and youth leaders in Nongpoh into the NPP fold. A contender for NPP ticket, Syiem said he quit the Congress for the dictatorial ways of the party leadership.
“I could not tolerate the dictatorial rules of Mukul Sangma anymore. DD Lapang is so scared of Mukul Sanmga that Ri Bhoi was neglected by the Congress Party,” he said, adding that Lapang remained a “mere spectator” as both state and central schemes meant for Ri Bhoi were diverted to Garo Hills.
NPP state president WR Kharlukhi and its youth wing chief Ratika Yumnam were present at the induction ceremony.
Both the leaders oozed confidence that NPP would come to power in 2018 and appealed to people to usher in change in the state by choosing its candidates.
“People of the state are fed up with the dictatorial ways of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma,” said Kharlukhi, who was seconded by Yumnam.
