Over five hundred leaders of the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) and Congress from 73 villages under the Nartiang constituency have joined the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on Friday.

They were welcomed to the party by NPP working president and deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar at the community hall, Wahiajer in presence of JHADC CEM Thombor Shiwat, Wahiajer MDC Reformingson Lamare, Mynsngat Khanduli MDC Phein Nianglein, Moodymmai MDC Jesse Suiam.

In his speech, Dhar said leaders from various parties have approached him to join the party, attributing it to the government’s performance.

“The people of Nartiang constituency are wise, educated, and well-informed, and have acknowledged the NPP-led MDA government’s efforts in bringing development to the state,” he said.

Dhar assured the joining leaders and supporters that the party will work to strengthen its presence in Jaintia Hills and the state.

He also promised to work for Nartiang constituency’s upliftment.

Knierlang Siangshai, who quit VPP to join NPP, cited VPP’s decision to terminate KHADC employees as the reason.

“I joined VPP thinking it loved our people, but their actions were disheartening and unacceptable,” he said.

Congress leaders who joined NPP praised the party’s development work, saying it ensured all-round progress in the state.