Shillong, Sept 08: Former Mawsynram legislator Himalaya M Shangpliang has made a significant political move by leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and announcing his intention to join the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on September 13.
In a press statement, Shangpliang, who also serves as an adviser to the education department, expressed his eagerness to become a member of the NPP without attaching any conditions.
Regarding his potential candidacy for the Shillong seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Shangpliang emphasized his commitment to serving the NPP and stated that he would accept any responsibility assigned by the party’s high command.
He refrained from commenting on the recent statement made by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who suggested that Shangpliang was a ticket aspirant for the Shillong seat.
Shangpliang’s decision to join the NPP was motivated by his observation of the remarkable development and positive changes brought about by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in Meghalaya over the past five years. He believes that the NPP is the party best suited to provide the people of the state with a sense of security, development, and a brighter future.
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Moreover, Shangpliang revealed that more than 2,000 party workers in the Mawsynram BJP unit, including those in responsible positions, have submitted their resignations to the state president. They are set to join the NPP on September 12.
He stated that he had sought the consent of his leaders in Mawsynram before resigning from the BJP and that his top leaders would accompany him for his induction into the NPP on September 13.
Addressing claims made by BJP State President Ernest Mawrie, Shangpliang clarified that he had never discussed Lok Sabha elections with Mawrie. He emphasized that he neither sought a ticket nor engaged in discussions about the possibility of a common candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Shangpliang also criticized the state BJP leadership, citing numerous internal conflicts and nepotism as major issues. He expressed his desire to see a party focused on the welfare of the people rather than being marred by such problems. Ultimately, he decided that leaving the BJP was the best course of action to serve his constituents effectively.
