SHILLONG, Jan 12: The NPP leadership has directed the reconstitution of the party’s block committee in Mawlai following a setback which came in the form of its sitting MDC, Teibor Pathaw, leaving the party.
NPP state working president Hamletson Dohling stated that party leaders in the constituency have been instructed to reorganise the block committee. While admitting that Pathaw’s decision to contest the upcoming KHADC polls as an independent is a setback for the party, Dohling added that the NPP will decide on fielding a candidate from Mawlai only after the block committee is reconstituted. The NPP had initially planned to announce Pathaw’s candidacy in its second list of nominees for the election. However, Pathaw’s decision reportedly came as a surprise to the party leadership. State party president Prestone Tynsong had assured party members that Pathaw’s name would be included in the second list after concerns were raised about its absence in the first list.
It is worth noting that Pathaw has resigned from both the party and his position as Executive Member in the NPP-led Executive Committee in the KHADC. He also stepped down as NPP Shillong city president and relinquished his role in the State Executive Committee.
Meanwhile, Dohling clarified that the party has not decided to support Nongkrem sitting MDC Lambor Malngiang, who is contesting as an independent in the upcoming polls.
“Yes, we did not receive any recommendations from the block committee regarding potential candidates for Nongkrem,” Dohling said.