SHILLONG, JUL 19: The National People’s Party received a significant boost in West Jaintia Hills on Saturday with hundreds of Voice of the People Party leaders and supporters joining its ranks at Nongjngi village, just months ahead of the Shillong Lok Sabha byelection.
The induction was held in the presence of NPP national vice president and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
Nongjngi currently falls under the representation of a VPP MDC.
Calling it a sign of changing political mood in the region, Dhar said the shift reflected people’s desire to align with the ruling party for development.
“Politics cannot satisfy everyone. But through working together, we will be able to bring development as you, the residents, want. When we work together, we can achieve what the people want,” Dhar told the gathering.
He urged the new entrants to expand the party’s reach at the grassroots.
“Tell your relatives, ‘we the people of Lumstong have changed our minds. Now it is your turn to come as well,'” he said.
With over 6,000 voters in Nongjngi, Dhar set an ambitious goal for the upcoming parliamentary poll.
“Our aim for the upcoming MP election is that no matter what, we should not get less than 4,000 votes. If I get 4,000 votes from this area, I will make a mark for Nongjngi village that everyone will remember,” he stated.
In remarks aimed at the opposition, Dhar claimed voters were now admitting their earlier decision to back the VPP was a mistake.
“Some are saying that we made a mistake in the past few days, because we were carried away by their song and we went to support the Prah party. I understand — when elders and leaders take a stand, people follow,” he said.
“But I am happy that within one or two years, the people of Lumstong have realized that the path they took earlier — to support the VPP — was the wrong path,” Dhar added.
By Our Reporter
