SHILLONG: Several supporters of National People’s Party (NPP) quit the party on Tuesday at Jirang constituency under Ri-Bhoi District, after differences had emerged with the party leaders over the allotment of party poll ticket.
Peeved at the party ticket being allotted to Sosthenes Sohtun for the Jirang constituency, hundreds of supporters who were voicing for another candidate, Wandashisha Wahlang, left the party, alleging that party president, Conrad Sangma, was falling into the trap of affluent politicians who are yet to join the party.
Interestingly, on November 7, the supporters said that Conrad had called them for talks at his brother, James Sangma’s residence on the ticket allotment for Jirang.
“It was surprising to us that along with Conrad, affluent leaders who were from different political parties were also present at the meeting, even though they have not even joined the party,” they stated in a press statement.
The supporters of Wahlang expressed their opposition to allotment of party ticket to Sohtun as he has unsuccessfully contested the 2013 elections and joined the Congress after his failure.
Stating that they had been betrayed by the national president of NPP, Conrad Sangma, the supporters stated that Sangma had introduced Wahlang as the candidate for the party in many public meetings.
Backing Wahlang, the supporters claimed that they had campaigned for elections in over 60 villages and created 87 primary units of the party.
They claimed that Sangma even sought the support of the people for Wahlang in the Church at Maikhuli as the candidate for the party and according to the supporters of Wahlang, they contended that Sangma has not kept his promise he made in the Church.
They went on to allege that other constituencies are facing similar issues. The supporters will decide along with Wahlang on the next course of action.
