SHILLONG: The National People’s Party (NPP), which welcomed a BJP leader into its fold on Wednesday, promised to spring more surprises in the run-up to the Assembly elections.
NPP state president WR Kharlukhi told reporters on Wednesday that the party “is aiming big and that there will be bigger surprises”.
Asked whether the party will rope in sitting legislators, Kharlukhi said, “I think so (laughs). Not only leaders, (but) legislators. But more or less it is confirmed that they will contest from the party.” The names of the legislators will probably come up in the fourth or the final list of candidates, he added.
NPP is turning into a strong contender for the 2018 polls and many candidates are fighting for tickets in six to seven constituencies in Garo Hills, delaying decision-making.
P Nongpluh, the new entrant from the BJP camp, is also hoping to get ticket from Pynthorbah.
When asked about the strategy to elect candidates, Kharlukhi said, “The party looks at the situation whether it is favourable.”
Delineating the strategy to pick candidates, the NPP leader said the plan is not to set up candidates that will give the Congress a vantage point. “First and foremost, we strive to win. If we don’t win, at least Congress should lose.”
The party, which has already announced two lists, will come up with the third after the arrival of NPP national president Conrad Sangma.
