Our Bureau
SHILLONG, May 7: In a clear illustration of how Meghalaya’s two major political forces are turning the education fraternity into a battleground, the NPP on Thursday fielded a prominent academic as its candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, directly squaring off against another already named by the opposition VPP.
The NPP announced D.R.L. Nonglait, Professor in the Khasi Department at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and President of the Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS), as its official candidate. The announcement was made by NPP national president and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma at a party function at the State Central Library in Shillong.
Nonglait is widely respected in academic and literary circles for his advocacy on Khasi language, literature, and cultural preservation. He has led campaigns for the inclusion of Khasi in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and for granting it full official language status in Meghalaya.
His nomination by the NPP pits him directly against Batskhem Myrboh, the NEHU academician and VPP spokesperson already selected by the opposition party as its candidate.
Reacting to Nonglait’s nomination, the Chief Minister firmly rejected suggestions that inducting Nonglait was an attempt to politicise the Khasi language issue. He described the move as “a moment of pride” and a convergence of shared goals for protecting tribal identity, culture, and language.
Sangma emphasised that Nonglait has dedicated his life to safeguarding the identity, language, and culture of indigenous tribes — objectives that align with the government’s vision. He stated that the partnership represents a strong platform to advance these aspirations more effectively.
On the electoral front, the Chief Minister acknowledged the challenge posed by the VPP’s momentum and public sympathy but asserted that the NPP does not take any contest lightly. He assured that the party would prepare thoroughly to secure victory.
Speaking after the announcement, Nonglait clarified that his 14-year leadership of the KAS was focused on long-standing demands for Khasi language recognition, which predate recent political developments.
He noted that joining the NPP was his personal decision and that the KAS remains an inclusive body with members from diverse political backgrounds. He has yet to decide on continuing as KAS president, saying he would abide by the organisation’s constitution.
This direct face-off between two respected NEHU educators underscores how both NPP and VPP are leveraging academic and cultural voices to mobilise support, even as broader teacher grievances continue to simmer in the background.
The upcoming by-election is likely to test not just citizens’ political acumen but also the unity of Meghalaya’s intellectual and teaching community.
