The phenomenon of “old” and “new” members existed in every party, including the TMC and Congress, and was also common in non-political workplaces. Conrad emphasised that his earlier comments were not an admission of factionalism but a call for greater cohesion within the NPP
SHILLONG, Aug 10: NPP supremo and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has dismissed suggestions of division within his party following his recent remarks referring to “old NPP” and “new NPP.” He said such labels were a natural occurrence in any political or professional organisation and should not be seen as signs of internal conflict.
Responding to a question on whether his recent speech indicated problems in the party, Conrad said the phenomenon of “old” and “new” members existed in every party, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Congress, and was also common in non-political workplaces. He noted that former Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma would acknowledge similar dynamics in his own party.
Drawing on over years of grassroots political experience, the Chief Minister said he understood the mindset that gave rise to such terms.
However, he urged NPP members to avoid using labels like “old guys” and “new guys,” arguing that dropping them would create a far better environment.
Conrad compared the situation to the media industry, where senior staff might regard themselves as the ones who built the organisation and view newcomers as people who thought they knew everything. He said every organisation faced such dynamics, but unity could be strengthened if members saw themselves as one family.
He emphasised that his earlier comments were not an admission of factionalism but a call for greater cohesion within the NPP, describing unity as the best starting point for collective progress.