SHILLONG, AUG 21: National People’s Party (NPP) national general secretary and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has asserted that all NPP MLAs are unified and satisfied with the party’s direction, dismissing any concerns about internal discord.
In a media interaction on Wednesday, Dhar claimed that the NPP has maintained discipline and unity over the past seven years. “The question of internal grumblings does not arise. We are the happiest and most disciplined party. All MLAs have expressed their happiness with their decision to join the party,” Dhar said.
When asked about potential demands for a leadership change within the NPP following the party’s increasing presence in the Khasi-Jaintia region, Dhar emphasized that such decisions would be based on the MLAs’ choice.
The NPP leader asked, “Who demand? Simple it will be based on the MLAs, who will elect the leader. So obviously, there has been no such demand at all. That is why you have witnessed for last 7 years; there is no grumblings within the NPP family.”
Regarding the future leadership of the party beyond 2028, Dhar was cautious. “We will continue with the same partners beyond 2028, but questions about future leadership should be addressed after we win in 2028,” he responded.
But when asked if it’s under the leadership of (Conrad Sangma), Dhar was quick to react saying “That’s the different question, let us win first in 2028.”
Dhar also highlighted the NPP’s commitment to its coalition partners, stressing that despite achieving an absolute majority, the party does not intend to drop any ministers or sever ties with its allies. “We want to continue working together until the end of this five-year term and beyond,” he stated.
He reassured that there are no plans for a cabinet reshuffle, though any decisions about ministerial changes by coalition partners would be theirs to make. Dhar also emphasized respect for coalition partners, including the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), and expressed a desire to continue collaboration after the 2028 elections.
Addressing rumors about legislators from opposition parties approaching the NPP, Dhar confirmed that some are indeed seeking to join the party but declined to specify whether they are from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) or the Voice of the People Party (VPP).