SHILLONG, AUG 30: Former hardcore VPP leader from Jaintia Hills Snarbor Laloo has come out in support of NPP’s Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll nominee Dr DRL Nonglait, saying he backs the person, not the party.
Campaigning for Dr Nonglait at Lawbyrtun in Mawthadraishan on Saturday, Laloo said he was suspended from VPP along with North Shillong legislator Adelbert Nongrum for speaking the truth at a party convention.
“My journey with VPP, I started to see question marks. I used to discuss with President Bah Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit. After I spoke directly in the convention before all Khasi-Jaintia leaders, I was suspended,” he said.
“It was a blessing in disguise. After suspension we became free and could support anyone,” Laloo said.
He said his decision to back Dr Nonglait came after research.
“I did research and found he is a capable person who has done a lot of work without much talk. No matter what uniform he wears, we need such a person. I don’t care about any party, I support Dr Nonglait,” he said.
Laloo also questioned VPP for interfering in NPP’s internal decision.
“Why does VPP ask why NPP didn’t send Dr Nonglait to Rajya Sabha but to Lok Sabha? It is the NPP’s right to field anyone. Why interfere in other parties’ affairs? This questioning is just to brainwash the public,” he said.
Defending NPP’s practice of holding prayers before announcing candidates, he said, “As humans we are lacking and we need God.”
Praising Deputy CM Sniawbhalang Dhar, Laloo said, “Even when I was a hardcore VPP I saw the major works Bah Sniawbhalang has done for this constituency. What is right must be praised and what is wrong must be criticized. I thank him for developing this area.”
He also challenged VPP, saying, “Why didn’t you call Dr Nonglait yourselves?”
