SHILLONG, MAY 8: Deputy Chief Minister and NPP vice president Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday said the party will work hard to ensure Dr DRL Nonglait’s victory in the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha byelection, calling the KAS president a “genuine” and “fresh face” with “zero” personal anti-incumbency.
“No, simple— yesterday we have officially announced our candidate who will contest the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha byelection and simple is that we will work hard to make him win. I request you to also help us to make him win,” Dhar told reporters.
On whether anti-incumbency would be a factor, Dhar said, “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 added, “Moreover, yes, you have heard his speech. He is very genuine. He has stated the reason why he enters politics. Since he is a fresh face and new candidate, I think anti-incumbency personally to him maybe is zero. If there are any lapses here and there from the party, I think we will be able to make it up.”
Asked if other political leaders were set to join the NPP, Dhar said it was premature.
“What to approach? Election is two years away. There is no discussion with any other sitting MLAs. Maybe some of the other political leaders joined us because they have seen the good works of the government,” he said.
“Maybe when election comes, I will be able… maybe yes, you are right, as some of them have expressed to join and that will take a decision,” he added.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Assembly elections, Dhar expressed confidence.
“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. Obviously, fighting is there but we have to manage to get the numbers,” he said.
On the VPP and other parties, he said, “No problem. VPP is there, Congress is there, UDP is there, NPP is there, and people have witnessed now lots of works are happening during the last eight years. The people of the state, they know where to vote, who to vote.”
By Our Reporter
