SHILLONG: Differences among party leaders over allotment of ticket have prompted several supporters of the National People’s Party (NPP) in Ri Bhoi’s Jirang constituency to quit on Tuesday.
Peeved at the party allotting ticket to Sosthenes Sohtun, hundreds of supporters who were pushing for Wandashisha Wahlang’s candidature, left NPP.
They alleged that Conrad Sangma was falling into the trap of affluent politicians who are yet to join the party.
The supporters said Conrad called them for talks at James Sangma’s residence on November 7.
“It was surprising that along with Conrad, affluent leaders who were from different political parties were present at the meeting, even though they have not even entered the party,” they said in a press statement.
The supporters of Wahlang expressed their opposition on the allotment of ticket to Sohtun as he unsuccessfully contested the 2013 elections and joined the Congress after his failure.
Stating that they were betrayed by NPP national president, Conrad Sangma, the supporters stated that he had introduced Wahlang as the candidate for the party in many public meetings.
Backing Wahlang, the supporters claimed they campaigned for elections in over 60 villages and created 87 primary units of the party.
They said that Sangma even sought the support of the people for Wahlang in the church at Maikhuli as the candidate for the party. The supporters of Wahlang 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.
