NPP to contest 50 seats in polls

SHILLONG: The National People’s Party (NPP) will field candidates in as many as 50 constituencies in the 2018 Assembly elections.
NPP state president WR Kharlukhi said party would field 10 candidates in East Khasi Hills and around seven in Jaintia Hills.
The party will also field many candidates in Ri Bhoi, West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills.
The party invited applications for 23 seats in Garo Hills.
NPP has received 14 applications from individuals in Khasi-Jaintia Hills region who wish to contest on NPP ticket.
Party officials said former minister Don Massar has applied for ticket from Ranikor and another former minister, L Nongsiang, has applied from Mawshynrut constituency.
When asked about other leaders who are deserting the Congress to join NPP, the party official said 14 individuals have applied in the open category while there are many seats, which are reserved.
According to officials, negotiations are on in some constituencies. The party’s regional election committee will meet on November 6 to discuss the applications of all individuals who have applied for ticket.
Senior Congress leaders Prestone Tynsong, Rowell Lyngdoh and Sniawbhalang Dhar are set to join NPP.