SHILLONG : The National People’s Party (NPP) has indicated that it will contest the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha byelection independently, ruling out the possibility of a pre-poll alliance. The party has also confirmed that it is yet to finalize its candidate for the crucial seat.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, NPP state working president and cabinet minister Marcuise N Marak said that the party’s approach remains consistent with the political dynamics of Meghalaya, where pre-poll alliances are not typically formed.
“Well, you have seen Meghalaya politics, we don’t have a pre-poll alliance. So far, we are yet to decide the candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha byelection,” Marak said.
On the issue of the Rajya Sabha nominee, Marak informed that the party will be taking a decision soon regarding whom to field.
“Very shortly, we will be taking the decision and whom to field, we will decide,” he added.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, Marak stated that the government has extended the tenure of the current House by six months. This extension is aimed at allowing sufficient time for necessary interventions and preparatory measures before conducting the elections.
When asked about the party’s prospects in Assam, Marak expressed optimism, stating that the response has been encouraging and that the party is hopeful of opening its account in the state.
“The response is very good, but let us see. We are hoping to open an account and are keeping our fingers crossed,” he said.