By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 14: Rajya Sabha member, WR Kharlukhi on Saturday said he has decided to resign from the post of NPP state president and embrace his academic side.
“I have decided to let go of the chair. I think I have contributed enough for the party and it is high time to go into my academic side,” Kharlukhi told The Shillong Times.
He dismissed as “wrong news” earlier reports that he had tendered his resignation ahead of Assembly elections held in February this year.
“My term (of NPP state chief) ends in November. In July, I handed over my resignation (letter) to the Chief Minister (Conrad K Sangma) because I thought it would be easy for the national president to appoint an ad hoc president so that when the election (Lok Sabha) comes, there is no problem,” Kharlukhi said.
He said he has been serving the party for the past 16 years and he thought someone, who is young, should take over the post.
Asked if there is any other factor behind this decision, he said, “I always believe that you cannot continue forever and there should be a change so that we have a new leader, fresh blood is infused into the party.”
Asked if he intends to quit politics, he said, “I will serve as MP. I cannot put politics away. My term ends in 2026. As MP and state president together, it is quite taxing. I am from the academic side and my first move is to publish my book. After that, you never know.”
He laughed when he was told that his party seems to be not willing to accept his resignation.
“How can I keep on going? I am like an old horse and if you continue to push it to carry the load, it will collapse,” he said, adding that anyone filling in his shoes will find it easier to function since he is leaving the party at a time when it is at its peak.