The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has intensified its political expansion in Meghalaya, drawing three members of the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) from the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) into its fold, including a close aide of former Chief Minister and TMC leader Dr Mukul Sangma. The latest political realignment comes amid a series of defections strengthening the NPP’s presence across the State and signals the party’s growing efforts to consolidate its position ahead of the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, GHADC elections and the 2028 Assembly polls. The three MDCs who joined the NPP on Wednesday are Cherak W. Momin of Kharkutta, Agassi R. Marak of Balachanda and Alphonsush R. Marak of the 29-Williamnagar constituency.
The induction took place in the presence of NPP National President and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Meghalaya unit president and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, NPP National Vice-President and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Cabinet Ministers T.D. Shira, Marcuise N. Marak and Sosthenes Sohtun, besides several MLAs from the Khasi and Garo Hills regions.
Welcoming the new entrants, NPP National President and Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said, “We work for the state, and for our people, and that should guide in our decisions that we make. Is it good for our people or not.”
Referring to the recent political developments, he said, “We are here today, last week three MLAs joined us, today we have three of the MDCs who have joined us and former official who has joined us.”
Describing the defections as a reflection of growing confidence in the ruling party, the NPP National President said, “These are positive messages, Message of Confidence of trust Of Faith, and of growth that today the different leaders are expressing confidence in the national people’s party.”
He expressed confidence that the political momentum would translate into electoral victories, stating, “And I’m sure that this faith this trust and this confidence that these leaders have shown towards the national people’s party Will resonate in this coming MP by election and will resonate in coming GHADC election and will also resonate in the 2028 Assembly where in the three elections NPP will come out Victorious.”
With the induction of the three MDCs, the NPP’s strength in the GHADC has increased to 21 members, further consolidating its political position in the Garo Hills.
Conrad added, “With the joining of three MDCs today the strength of NPP in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council has gone up to 21. We are 21 NPP Members in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council after the joining of these three tall leaders.”
