From CK Nayak
NEW DELHI, Aug 27: The National People’s Party (NPP) will continue to remain in the BJP-led NDA at the Centre but go it alone in the elections in Meghalaya and other states considering ideological differences with the saffron party, its national president and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Saturday.
Addressing the media during the party’s National Executive Meeting here, Sangma ruled out any pre-poll alliance with the BJP.
“During the last Assembly elections too, the NPP had no alliance with the BJP but it formed the government (along with the saffron party) after elections,” he said.
Sangma refused to comment on the NPP’s recent differences with the BJP’s state unit.
“We have different ideologies. We made it clear even when the (NPP) founder Purno Sangma was alive. We will not deviate from that stand,” the CM said.
He said the NPP’s decision to go solo will not have any adverse impact on the larger understanding of the NDA.
“We have an understanding with the NDA, politically as well as on issues. But even on certain issues, we have not aligned with them politically and we have made our stand very clear,” Sangma said.
He discussed the Assembly election scenario in Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and also Rajasthan. The various state units presented their reports, highlighting success, issues and efforts being made to further the NPP’s growth.
“I thank all members for their unwavering support and I urge each of them to work in coordination and strengthen the party so that we can make a difference in the lives of the people and further the vision of our founder, Purno A Sangma,” he tweeted.
The meeting started with homage paid to the departed leader. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Minister James PK Sangma, chief advisor to the government Thomas Sangma and Tura MP Agatha Sangma were among leaders who attended the meeting.
The party leaders have a mission to continue working in the spirit of the NPP and ensure victory in the upcoming Assembly elections in different states, Sangma said.
He urged party functionaries to focus on their strength and push the agenda of inclusive growth for the indigenous communities and the minorities.
To a query from reporters, he said the Trinamool Congress is growing at the expense of the Congress.
“What is happening to the Congress is very sad to see,” Sangma said, adding there is no revival in sight, not just in Meghalaya but nationally.
“The TMC has done well in some places but with such a short time left for the state to go to polls, it will be overrated to say it is a major challenge for us,” he further said.