SHILLONG, Jan 20: Decimated in last year’s Lok Sabha elections, the National People’s Party chose to maintain a safe distance from the BJP but the saffron party on Monday reaffirmed its alliance with the Conrad K Sangma-led party, calling it a “valuable ally” of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
“In multiple states, we have a strong alliance and we are working to forward the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Northeast,” BJP national secretary Anil Antony said on Monday.
Many blamed the NPP’s loss in the 2024 Lok Sabha election on its close ties with the BJP.
The saffron party went to the extent of not fielding any candidates in Meghalaya to pave the way for the NPP to win the Shillong and Tura seats.
The NPP’s candidates were routed in both seats.
The NPP is seen as trying to maintain a distance from the BJP, at least on the political stage in Meghalaya.
In November last year, the NPP withdrew its support to the BJP-led Manipur government under Chief Minister N Biren Singh, accusing the ruling party of failing to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state.
Rikman reelected BJP state chief
Rikman G Momin has been reelected as the Meghalaya BJP president for another term ahead of the district council elections.
Momin’s reappointment, announced on Monday during the party’s Sangathan Parv 2024-25 celebrations, signals continuity in leadership but also brings added responsibilities.
Speaking at the event, Antony confirmed the central leadership’s approval to contest the MDC elections, expressing optimism that the BJP would secure more seats in the state assembly and eventually emerge as the largest political force in Meghalaya.
Addressing criticisms against his leadership, he said: “Criticism is a part of politics. People even criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So, it is unsurprising that I, as a state president, also face criticism.”