SHILLONG, MAY 26: The National People’s Party (NPP) received an unexpected boost in Jowai on Monday night when Snarbor Laloo, a hardcore and vocal supporter of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), extended support to NPP’s official candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha byelection, Dr DRL Nonglait.
Laloo attended the NPP’s election meeting at Chilliangraij Dorbar Hall to express his backing for Dr Nonglait and was welcomed by party leaders.
The gesture came as a surprise to Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla of the NPP.
Shylla described Laloo’s support as “something special” and proof of the party’s growing momentum.
Addressing the campaign meeting, Shylla said, “I did not expect this, but we are growing from strength to strength as this campaign gains momentum. I thank Dr Nonglait for agreeing to contest as the NPP’s official candidate. You have shown your strength today — we did not expect Snarbor to come out in support of our candidate. This is something special.”
Shylla also told the gathering, “I know many of you are surprised because no one expected to see Snarbor here with us. This shows Dr Nonglait’s ability to bring together people we never thought would support our candidate. This is just one example.”
Shylla said support for the NPP and Dr Nonglait was growing across the region.
“People from across Khasi-Jaintia Hills are coming forward to back the NPP and our candidate because he enjoys the faith and confidence of the people,” he said.
He credited Dr Nonglait’s past efforts for the recognition of Khasi as an official language of the state.
“We should congratulate him. As KAS president, and without holding political office, he ensured Khasi was recognized as an official language. As an MP, he will be able to push for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution,” Shylla said.
Welcoming Laloo’s support, Dr Nonglait said, “I had never met him or spoken to him over the phone. I had only seen madiah on YouTube. Today I got to meet him in person.”
He said their brief conversation left an impression. “In our short discussion, I realized he is a responsible person and we think along the same lines,” he said.
Dr Nonglait added that Laloo’s backing was encouraging. “It inspires me to see a mature voice, who speaks up for the welfare and development of the region, standing with us,” he said.
The meeting drew a packed hall of supporters.
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