The National People’s Party or NPP, led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, has announced its decision to refrain from contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Arunachal Pradesh. Instead, the party, which is a constituent of the National Democratic Alliance-(NDA, has pledged its support to NDA candidates for the polls scheduled on April 19.
Meghalaya CM Sangma, elucidated the party’s stance, stating, “The NPP has decided not to contest the two Lok Sabha seats in Arunachal since we are a partner in the NDA. The NPP National Committee has directed its Arunachal committee to support the NDA candidates.”
Hailing CM Sangma’s decision to strengthen the NDA Government, Arunachal counterpart Pema Khandu expressed, “The journey for Viksit Bharat will continue unabated under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi. The third term of the NDA under the PM will further see waves of development. Together, we will fulfil the aspirations of our beloved people through the development of Northeast.”
The two parliamentary constituencies in question are Arunachal East, represented by Tapir Gao, and Arunachal West, represented by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, both from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Regarding the simultaneous elections for the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, CM Sangma did not divulge the party’s strategy. However, it is anticipated that the NPP will participate in the State polls, with candidate announcements expected on March 20.
Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his appreciation for the NPP’s decision, accentuating its significance in strengthening the NDA’s electoral prospects. He conveyed, “Such unparalleled commitment among our partners will ensure the NDA under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi secures over 400 seats…”
The BJP’s Arunachal Pradesh unit also welcomed the NPP’s move. However, State BJP spokesperson Techi Necha clarified that there exists no alliance or seat-sharing arrangement with the NPP for the Assembly elections.
In the 2019 State polls, the BJP emerged as the dominant force, securing 41 seats. Other significant players included Janata Dal (United) with seven seats, NPP with five, Congress with four, and People’s Party of Arunachal with one seat. Additionally, two seats were won by Independents.
Among the NPP’s five seats, Tirong Aboh tragically fell victim to extremist violence just before being declared the winner from the Khonsa West Assembly constituency in 2019. His widow, Chakat Aboh, subsequently won the by-elections as an Independent candidate supported by all parties but later joined the BJP. Furthermore, two other NPP legislators also switched their allegiance to the BJP.
