NONGPOH, Dec 12: The sudden resignation of Victor Rani, the MDC of Jirang constituency, has put the NPP in discussion mode with the party meeting urgently on Thursday to deliberate over why the two-time MDC returned to the Congress party ahead of MDC elections in the state.
Rani had earlier cited internal politics within the NPP Jirang Block as the main reason for his departure, while accusing certain party members of conspiring to deny him the party ticket for the upcoming district council elections, even approaching NPP state president Prestone Tynsong to undermine his candidacy. Party leaders have, however, strongly refuted Rani’s allegations, emphasising that there were no ill intentions or plans to revoke his MDC ticket within the NPP.
Addressing the media, Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, NPP Ri Bhoi District president Clement Mawlong, and National People’s Youth Front (NPYF) Jirang Block president Marcus Lapasam acknowledged that concerns had been raised regarding Rani’s limited engagement with the public. However, they clarified that these were constructive suggestions aimed at improving his performance and connection with constituents, not a pretext to revoke his party ticket.
The leaders alleged that Rani’s sudden defection to the Congress was a calculated move, leaving the NPP in a challenging position. His departure has forced the party to identify a new candidate for the 2025 MDC elections in Jirang constituency, a task made urgent given the limited time available.
They also dismissed Rani’s remarks from his remarks on Wednesday as attempts to mislead the public. According to the leaders, despite repeated attempts by the party — including interventions by NPP state president Prestone Tynsong to engage in discussions with Rani, he consistently refused. They claimed that his decision to join the Congress was premeditated.
Following Rani’s exit, three aspiring candidates from Jirang have expressed interest in securing the NPP ticket for the upcoming MDC elections. These include Albertus Lapang, Kitboklang Khongiong, and Balawan Syiemiong. Additionally, some party leaders have suggested that MLA Sosthenes Sohtun should contest the election. However, the party has yet to make a decision and plans to thoroughly deliberate while seeking public input before finalising a candidate.
