NPP to continue to work with all coalition partners till end of current term: Sniawbhalang Dhar

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 21, 2024

National People’s Party (NPP) national general secretary and deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday said his party will continue to work with all the coalition partners till the end of the current five-year term.  

Addressing media persons, Dhar said, “We don’t have any intention to drop any minister or sever ties with any coalition partner just because we got absolute majority now. We have been working together since 2018 and we want to continue working together till the end of this five year term and of course we will continue to work together even beyond 2028.”

He said, “Don’t worry, we will work very happily with our coalition partners and we trust them. Therefore, there is absolutely no move for cabinet reshuffle (despite the political development).”

“But yes if the respective coalition partners want to change (the minister from their respective parties), it is totally up to them, it is their wish,” Dhar added.

Asked, the NPP leader said, “We respect our partners – the UDP and HSPDP – and we will continue to work with them even after 2028 (polls).”

Dhar claimed that all NPP MLAs have expressed their happiness over the merger and the question of infighting within the party does not arise at all.

“The question of (internal) grumblings does not arise. We are the happiest and most disciplined party. Please remember that and you have witnessed it for the last 7 years. All MLAs have expressed their happiness that they have joined our party,” he said.

Asked, the NPP leader said, “Who demands? 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 the last 7 years, there are no grumblings within the NPP family.”

Dhar however said that people should pray that Meghalaya get a good chief minister.

“Let us not discuss that that is not the question. About the CM and leadership please pray you get a good leadership for the state of Meghalaya. That is the important part. Whether Mr A will be the CM or whether Mr B will be the CM please pray so that people will get a good chief minister. That is all we want I think. Am I right?” he asked.