SHILLONG, MAY 8: NPP national vice president and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday threw his weight behind Dr DRL Nonglait for the Shillong Lok Sabha byelection, saying the party is committed to ensuring his win and that the candidate faces “zero” personal anti-incumbency.
“Yesterday we have officially announced our candidate who will contest the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha byelection and simply that we will work hard to make him win,” Dhar told reporters.
“I request you to also help us to make him win.”
Addressing questions on anti-incumbency, Dhar said the party was focused on the task ahead.
“I don’t know whether it is there or not. Let us see, because we have to work hard to make him win. That is the commitment from the party side,” he said.
He described Dr Nonglait as untainted by political baggage.
“Moreover, yes, you have heard his speech. He is very genuine. He has stated the reason why he entered politics. Since he is a fresh face and new candidate, I think anti-incumbency personally to him may be zero,” Dhar said.
“If there are any lapses here and there from the party, I think we will be able to make it up.”
On possible defections to the NPP, Dhar said it was too early.
“What to approach? Election is two years away. There is no discussion with any other sitting MLAs,” he said.
“Maybe some of the other political leaders joined us because they have seen the good works of the government. Maybe when the election comes, I will be able… maybe yes, you are right, as some of them have expressed to join and that will make a decision.”
Dhar said the NPP was aiming for a clear majority in the next Assembly polls.
“In 2028, I think we will be able to win a solid majority. Why I say that is because lots of work has been happening on the ground as I speak,” he said.
“Obviously, fighting is there but we have to manage to get the numbers.”
Asked about the VPP and other opposition parties, Dhar said the NPP welcomed the competition.
“No problem. VPP is there, Congress is there, UDP is there, NPP is there, and people have witnessed that lots of work is happening during the last eight years,” he said. “The people of the state, they know where to vote, who to vote for.”
