SHILLONG : Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Tuesday said that the National People’s Party (NPP) is fully prepared for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha byelection, with the announcement of its candidate expected soon.
Speaking to reporters, Dhar said the party is in the final stages of selecting its candidate and a formal decision will be taken after an internal meeting. He added that the name of the उम्मीदवार will be announced shortly.
According to Dhar, the delay in finalising the candidate is due to the presence of multiple aspirants who have approached the party seeking nomination. He said this has required additional time for the party to carefully consider its decision.
On whether the decision of other parties like the BJP and regional allies to field their own candidates would impact the NPP’s prospects, Dhar said it would not affect the party. He maintained that each party will contest based on its own vote bank and there is no plan for a common candidate among alliance partners.
He further stated that parties such as the UDP, BJP and HSPDP may field their own candidates, while the NPP will contest independently.
Regarding the Rajya Sabha nomination, Dhar said the party has not yet taken a decision and will discuss the matter internally before arriving at a unanimous conclusion.
Dhar reiterated that despite the delay in candidate announcement, the NPP remains confident and prepared for the upcoming electoral battle in Shillong.