Meghalaya CM defends NPP expansion and denies poaching allegations
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stated that legislators joining the National People's Party do so based on personal political relationships.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma defended the National People's Party (NPP) on Monday, stating that legislators from other parties join the party based on their own choice. According to The Hawk, Sangma said the movement was driven by long-standing political relationships and working experience with the ruling party.
Speaking to reporters after Paul Lyngdoh was sworn in as a Cabinet minister, Sangma denied that the NPP attempts to poach legislators or deliberately weaken the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition. He maintained that the party works with all its allies and that these developments aim to ensure government stability.
The Chief Minister addressed the resignation of United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Metbah Lyngdoh, saying there was no pressure applied to him and that the move was a personal decision. He also noted that three Trinamool Congress (TMC) members of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) will join the NPP on November 4.
Sangma said the government does not expect more political realignments for now and hopes to finish its term with the current Cabinet. He added that while the government is willing to talk to stakeholders regarding the proposed Shillong ropeway, there is no reason to stop the project.
Newly inducted minister Paul Lyngdoh said his priority is to revive the tourism sector and address concerns regarding the ropeway. Additionally, Sangma announced that the government will organise two gospel concerts with the Presbyterian and Baptist churches to promote local cultural identity.