The National People’s Party (NPP) has accepted the resignation of former Rajya Sabha member Dr W.R. Kharlukhi from the party, with Chief Minister and NPP leader Conrad K. Sangma saying the decision was taken by Kharlukhi at his own level and would be respected, even as he expressed personal sadness over the development. Sangma said Kharlukhi had his own concerns, plans and reasons for leaving the party, while stressing that the NPP would continue its political work.
Speaking on Kharlukhi’s resignation, Sangma said, “Decision he has taken at his own level I have nothing to say, we accept his decision. we have worked for a long time. Many many Things we have Positively for the state, for the party, And I cherish all those moments and all those things, it comes at a time when he is also having his own mind, and maybe some things that he wishes to do. So, we have no issues with that.”
Sangma recalled Kharlukhi’s long association with politics and the NPP, and said the party had always respected its leaders. He also recalled that his late father had earlier wanted Kharlukhi to become a Rajya Sabha member, an offer that was not accepted at the time.
“As I said from the party side, we have always, given our respect to our leaders, And even I remember very clearly that my late father was very keen that you should become Rajya Sabha MP, But that time he had rejected that offer,” Sangma said.
He said Kharlukhi was subsequently elected to the Rajya Sabha after he felt that a veteran political leader who had devoted considerable time to governance and public service should have a voice in Parliament.
“and that’s why the time I think is Thomas had become the Rajya Sabha MP, But then I ensured that That particular aspect also so that a person who has been very active in politics and given a lot of his time to governance to people,I felt that it was important that A person like that should be voicing a concerns at the parliament, and so we went ahead and Appointed or rather be elected him as the Rajya Sabha MP, but as I said, I guess. Dr Kharlukhi has his own Concerns his own points in his own plans and I wish him of the very best.”
The Chief Minister said Kharlukhi’s departure was part of the nature of political and party life and maintained that the NPP would remain focused on its organisational and governance responsibilities.
“People will come and people will go.”
Sangma, however, acknowledged that the resignation had affected him personally, saying he had not expected Kharlukhi to leave the party.
“On a personal note, I am, of course, very sad that this has happened. I didn’t expect this to happen, But I respect it. And I accepted, But we will move on and the particle continue to work. We have A lot of Work to be done, and a lot of people have joined the party, and I think That’s the nature of politics and party politics.”
Asked whether the party would reach out to Kharlukhi and seek a reconsideration of his decision, Sangma said the matter would be discussed with party leaders before a decision was taken.
“We will see, we will see. We’ll discuss with the party leaders, and then we will take a call.”
The resignation comes ahead of the Meghalaya Assembly session and at a time when political activity in the State is intensifying. While Kharlukhi has not publicly cited a specific reason for quitting the NPP, Sangma’s remarks indicate that the party is keeping open the possibility of further discussions with the former Rajya Sabha member.
