SHILLONG, Feb 22: The National People’s Party (NPP) on Tuesday announced that it will field former Assembly Speaker, Martin M Danggo from Ranikor and Umsning MDC, Macdalyne Sawkmie from Nongpoh in next year’s Assembly elections.
The announcement comes on a day the duo joined the party.
Former Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council Chief Executive Member (CEM), Hambertus Nongtdu; former Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council CEM, Manstudy Nongrem; former MDC Thomas Nongtdu and former United Democratic Party Ri-Bhoi vice president Rayonald Kharkamni also joined the NPP along with their supporters.
Malki-Laitumkhrah MDC, John Fantin Lakadong and Nongshken MDC, Grace Mary Kharpuri will join the party on Wednesday.
Welcoming them, NPP national president and Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma said whenever anyone joins a political party, there must be a cause and purpose. The NPP is working for the people and that must be the driving force, he said.
Recalling that when the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) Government was formed, questions were raised whether it will last for six months, he said the last four years have been very challenging but it is the blessings, teamwork and commitment of people that saw the coalition through as it became tougher with every crisis.
Sangma said the coalition took up issues that nobody ever dared to for the fear that the situations will affect them during elections.
Referring to the interstate border row with Assam, he said while one thinks of elections, the members of the MDA should not forget the opportunities given to them to serve the people. He said failure and success are not entirely in their hands but if they do not try, they will fail on their responsibilities.
“There are issues and I assure you that we will be able to resolve them,” he said with a tinge of confidence.
He also said that the government is not a one man show but about listening to everyone and working collectively.
“As leaders, we must connect with the people, talk to our party leaders, MLAs, MDCs and come to a decision based on consensus. We have worked that way in this government,” the CM said.
Claiming that the government is trying to take development to each and every corner of the state, he said it might not always be possible but roads, schools etc, which have been neglected for years, are finally getting the attention they deserve.
NPP national vice president and Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong said the party is aiming at absolute majority in the polls. He was quick to add that it does not mean the NPP will forget its commitment to allies.
Tynsong said party’s state president and Rajya Sabha member, WR Kharlukhi has been entrusted with the responsibility of restructuring the party’s blocks in Danggo and Sawkmie constituencies.