SHILLONG, SEPT 7: Deputy Chief Minister and NPP national vice president Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday dismissed reports that NPP legislators are planning to defect to the BJP, stating that the party remains united under Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.Dhar termed the allegations as “false” and “speculation from other political parties.”
“We in the NPP family are all happy. There is no such move, no dialogue with the BJP. There is no threat at all,” he said, adding that he was speaking both as Deputy Chief Minister and as a party leader who knows the MLAs well.
“Inside the NPP, not even a single MLA has that intention,” he asserted.
On the 2028 Assembly polls, Dhar predicted that the NPP would cross the 33-mark due to its performance, but said the party would continue to respect coalition partners.
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.
On being asked if he is ready for the Chief Minister’s post, Dhar said, “That is a totally different question altogether.”
