Shillong, Sept 7: NPP National Vice President and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar called an urgent press conference at 9 pm on Monday (Sept 7) only to deny that there is no disunity in rhe party .
What made Dhar to announce this at 9 pm and not earlier indicates that he was directed to say so by the party leadership fearing action, sources said.
Advertisement
The development is after the likely move of some UDP MLAs to join the BJP.
When asked, Dhar dismissed rumours that the NPP legislators are planning to defect to the BJP
He also said the party remains united.
There is no such move, no dialogue with the BJP. There is no threat at all,” he said.
“Inside the NPP, not even a single MLA has that intention. I am not speaking just as Deputy Chief Minister, I am speaking also as a leader of the party, I know the character and the needs of the MLAs. We are happy, there is no such thing at all. It is just speculation from other political parties,” he said
Dhar predicted that the NPP would cros the 33-mark due to its performance, but said the party would continue to respect coalition partners.
“We will respect all our coalition partners and even if we get 33, we will respect all our partners. That is the NPP principle. Don’t worry, the time will come,” he said.
Responding to speculation that nine UDP MLAs are set to join the BJP, Dhar said it was their own decision and not a move initiated by the BJP.
“It is not the BJP pulling them, it is they who want to go to the BJP. Frankly, it seems they are not happy within their own party,” he said.
He said the present government would complete its full term and expressed confidence of returning after 2028, adding there is no dissent within the NPP.
“We will complete the term and we will continue after 2028 also, no doubt about that. There is no dissent, not at all. Election is election, let the election complete first,” he said, adding it was too early to comment on post-2028 scenario.
