Shillong, May 8: Deputy Chief Minister and National People’s Party national vice president Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday said the party has not yet finalised its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha seat, even as support grows in Garo Hills for former minister James Sangma.
Responding to queries from reporters, Dhar said there was no issue with names being projected but clarified that the party would take a decision only after the tenure of the incumbent Rajya Sabha MP comes to an end.
“We are yet to take a decision. Let his tenure complete first then we will sit as a party,” Dhar said, referring to sitting Rajya Sabha MP W.R. Kharlukhi.
“I think his tenure will end in June but I am not very sure,” he added.
Dr. Kharlukhi was elected to the Rajya Sabha in June 2020 for a six-year term.
When asked whether the nomination should go to a leader from a particular region, Dhar rejected the idea of considering candidates on a regional basis.
“We never think region wise,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the decision would be taken collectively by the party leadership.
“Whatever the party thinks appropriate we will go with that because it is a collective decision not a one man show decision,” he stated.
Highlighting the party’s internal functioning, Dhar said the NPP follows a disciplined and consultative approach while making important decisions.
“The NPP is a very disciplined party. We always take everything on board,” he added.
