SHILLONG, SEPT 26: Deputy Chief Minister and NPP national vice president Sniawbhalang Dhar has dismissed speculation of a possible split within the National People’s Party (NPP), asserting that all 33 NPP MLAs remain united and that the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government is intact.
Dhar, who returned from Delhi along with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, said their visit was solely for official work.
“There is nothing wrong within the NPP family. We are a fully united family, especially the three of us—Conrad K Sangma, Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar. We are of one mind,” he said.
Dhar also rejected reports that 22 NPP MLAs were camping in Delhi to meet BJP central leaders.
“I saw reports yesterday saying that 22 NPP MLAs were in Delhi. I am telling you, only three MLAs were in Delhi for official work. These allegations are totally baseless. All 33 NPP MLAs are intact and fully united,” he said.
On the impact of eight UDP MLAs joining the BJP, Dhar said the development would not affect the functioning of the MDA government.
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“This joining is an issue between two political parties—the BJP and UDP. It is not for me to explain on their behalf. What I want to inform you is that there is no problem within the MDA. The MDA remains with the same strength,” he said.
Dhar said the NPP-led government had continued to function with the support of its coalition partners.
“We have been running the government for eight and a half years. From 2018 to 2023, we ran it with 19 MLAs; now we have 33. I am thankful to all coalition partners. They are still supporting us,” he added.
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Dhar also denied reports that the BJP had sought an increase in its share of Cabinet berths.
“There is no such demand from the BJP to increase the berths from one to four. Everything will remain the same,” he said.
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