SHILLONG: National People’s Party state president W.R. Kharlukhi on Saturday welcomed Wailad Shylla, brother-in-law of former minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, and Gilberth Sten, former Congress MDC, into the party fold and announced that the duo would be the party candidates from Jowai and Mokaiaw, respectively, in Jaintia Hills.
In a press statement issued here, the party informed that a public meeting held in Jowai to welcome Shylla and Sten was attended by NPP leaders and functionaries from across the state, including Songsak MLA Nihim D. Shira and Dasakhiat Lamare, NPP candidate from Umroi constituency.
Speaking at the rally, Shira informed that the wave for NPP has gained momentum in Garo Hills and the party was expecting 15 seats from the 24 constituencies in the five districts of Garo Hills.
He further said the party was prepared to defeat Chief Minister Mukul Sangma who would be contesting from Songsak constituency in the upcoming elections.
“I welcome the challenge of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who is contesting from Songsak. It is certain that he will lose the election in Songsak. NPP’s ground is ready and we are going to give a tough fight to Congress”, said Shira.
The people of Jaintia Hills are angry with Congress. They have only made claims and false promises. The party and their leaders have not done anything for the region. We are confident that NPP will not just do well in Garo Hills but also in Khasi and Jaintia Hills”.
Sten said NPP would manage to win 15 seats in Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
NPP national president Conrad K. Sangma, who was unable to attend the rally, welcomed Shylla and Sten in the party and expressed confidence that both the leaders would gear up campaign in Jaintia Hills and ensure that the party would pave a new era of change and development in Meghalaya.
