SHILLONG, Feb 5: The National People’s Party (NPP), which struggled in the last MP elections, has downplayed concerns about facing another political setback in the upcoming MDC elections.
The party remains optimistic that this time the results will be significantly different and believes it could even emerge as the single-largest party.
Speaking about the elections, NPP leader and Cabinet Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh stated that the party is fully supporting its candidates to ensure they secure strong numbers. “We are also exploring partnerships that align closely with those at the state government level,” Lyngdoh told media persons on Wednesday.
Despite the outcome of the MP elections, the party’s high command remains determined to secure a victory in the MDC elections. “We will also work hard to ensure that these elections do not turn into personal battles filled with anger and intolerance. We must remember that all of us share the common goal of serving the people,” she remarked.
According to Lyngdoh, the party remains strong and confident, believing it can emerge as the single largest party in both Councils. “We will be a party to reckon with. While others may promote their own narratives, the ground reality tells a different story compared to the MP elections,” she added.
Incorrect to say people have rejected NPP
NPP MLA from Mawkynrew, Banteidor Lyngdoh, has dismissed claims that the people of Khasi Hills have rejected the NPP.
When asked about the party’s poor performance in the majority of seats in the 2023 Assembly elections in Khasi Hills, he argued that it is incorrect to conclude that the people have rejected the NPP. “Personally, I believe that when a leader is good, the party is seen as good. All political parties share a common goal — to serve the people,” Lyngdoh said while speaking to reporters.
He further noted that if the leadership and members of a party behave poorly, it reflects negatively on the party as a whole. According to Lyngdoh, a political party is merely a uniform that leaders choose to wear. “You cannot blame the entire party just because one or two leaders who wear the uniform behave badly,” he asserted.
When questioned about promoting ‘dynastic politics’ by fielding his wife as the NPP candidate from Mawkynrew, Lyngdoh defended the decision, stating that she has been actively involved in his political work since he was first elected as an MDC in 2014.
He recalled that his wife had contested the 2019 KHADC elections because people from the constituency wanted someone from their family to run.
“We took time to finalise a candidate for this election, holding consultations with voters from various villages in the constituency. Once again, it was the people who wanted my wife to contest,” Lyngdoh said.
He also reminded that his wife had narrowly lost the 2019 elections to sitting HSPDP MDC and veteran politician Martle N Mukhim. “It is wrong to say that I am promoting ‘dynastic politics’ when it was the voice of the people who wanted my wife to contest,” he said, expressing confidence that she will emerge victorious this time.