SHILLONG, MAY 27: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday rejected Congress president Vincent H Pala’s charge that the National People’s Party (NPP) would face infighting over the Rajya Sabha election, asserting that his party takes decisions democratically and asking Pala to “see the cracks in the Congress” instead.
Sangma said the NPP does not function through diktats from the top.
“When it comes to the National People’s Party, we are very democratic in our process,” he said.
“There is no concept of a high command coming in and bulldozing a decision.”
He underlined that internal debate is central to the party’s functioning. “In most of the issues and cases that are there, there is always a very positive, critical and a constructive discussion that takes place before we finalise anything,” the NPP national chief said.
“And yes, in that meeting, we will say everything that we want to say even if it means that I don’t agree with you. That’s how a healthy democracy works and that’s the principle on the basis of which we as a party and even in governance are moving forward,” he added.
Taking on Pala directly, Sangma said, “Let me assure Pala that he doesn’t have to worry about any kind of cracks in the NPP. He has to see more of the cracks in the Congress.”
He said differing views within the NPP were expected but the final call would prioritize the state. “We are here to work together but yes we have our views and we have our opinions and that is natural for any individual,” Sangma said. “But at the end of the day we will do what is in the best interest of the party and more importantly what is in the best interest of the state.”
On the Rajya Sabha polls, he said the party would follow the same consultative route. “Keeping in mind the upcoming Rajya Sabha election, we are very clear that there is going to be a democratic process again,” Sangma said.
“All the party MLAs, who are going to be the main voters, will sit down and discuss and then decide on how we should move forward.”
 would face infighting over the Rajya Sabha election, asserting that his party takes decisions democratically and asking Pala to “see the cracks in the Congress” instead.){kind=link}