Shillong, March 3: Conrad K. Sangma-led National People’s Party (NPP) is all set to return to power at the helm of affairs in Meghalaya after securing letters of support from HSPDP, BJP and independent MLAs.
HSPDP legislators – Shakliar Warjri and Methodius Dkhar, and Independent MLA from Rambrai Jyrngam – Remington, Remington Gabil Momin, formally submitted their respective letters of support to NPP Chief Conrad on Friday evening.
This takes NPP-led alliance to 32, a comfortable number to form the new government.
Earlier in the day, Conrad went to meet Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan at the Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation as the CM of the previous government and at the same time also staked claim to form the new government.
That time, he only had 29 MLAs – 26 of NPP, 2 of BJP and Independent MLA from Baghmara Kartush R. Marak. The Governor had invited Conrad first to form the government and asked to present the letters of support by Friday evening. With the joining of HSPDP and Rambrai Jyrngam legislator, the alliance number is at 32 MLAs.
NPP currently needs only 30 MLAs in the house of 59 MLAs to form the government; and 31 MLAs after the election for Sohiong constituency, which will raise MLAs in Assembly to 60.
However, with the new development, NPP is comfortably poised to rule Meghalaya for another 5 years irrespective of the result of Sohiong.
Mentionably, Conrad along with his council of ministers will be sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya for the second consecutive term on March 7, 2023.
Reportedly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will to attend the swearing-in ceremony.