NPP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Snaiwbhalang Dhar on Tuesday praised former chief minister and Meghalaya TMC Legislature Party leader Dr Mukul Sangma, describing him as one of the tallest leaders in the state, and said he would personally be the happiest if Dr Mukul joins the National People’s Party.
Striking a cordial political tone, Dhar said he has always shared friendly relations with Dr Mukul Sangma and holds him in high regard as a seasoned leader who understands politics deeply. Making it clear that his remarks reflected his personal opinion, Dhar said Dr Mukul’s entry into the NPP would be a positive development. “Sir Mukul is a tall veteran leader and I respect him and he is a man who knows what he talks. I really respect Sir Mukul, he is one of the tallest man in the state. I don’t want to repeat about the past. I am always friendship to him, he is always friendship to me,” Dhar said.
Addressing speculation over possible political realignments, the deputy chief minister said it was premature to comment, pointing out that the next assembly elections are still some distance away. “This thing is too early to comment because the elections is another two and half years away the time will come,” he said.
When asked if the NPP’s doors were open for Dr Mukul Sangma, Dhar reiterated that he was speaking from a personal standpoint. “According to me you ask me personally I am the happiest man of he comes to us. It’s my personal openion. We will see,” he said.
Dhar’s remarks come at a time when political debate has been reignited following Dr Mukul Sangma’s recent public claim that he was “forced” by the All India Congress Committee to accept the dictated removal of senior ministers Prestone Tynsong and Snaiwbhalang Dhar from the Mukul Sangma cabinet barely six months before the assembly elections, reopening old fault lines in Meghalaya’s evolving political landscape.
