Shillong, March 2: After emerging as the single largest party, the National People’s Party (NPP) is all set to stake claim to form the new government in the state on Friday.

Sources within the party on Thursday informed that a delegation led by the NPP national president Conrad K Sangma will be meeting the Governor at the Raj Bhavan on Friday morning to stake claim for forming the new government.

They said that the NPP is in constant touch with all like-minded political parties for their support.

Also, the BJP has formally extended its support to the NPP. In a letter to NPP Chief Conrad K Sangma on Thursday evening, Meghalaya BJP president Ernest Mawrie said, “…as per directions from the National President, Bharatiya Janata Party, Shri. J.P. Naddaji, I do hereby formally communicate with you and submit “A Letter of Support” for the institution of the new Governemnt as an outcome of the results of the just concluded Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Election, 2023.”

However, the United Democratic Party (UDP), which is the second largest party with 11 seats and was the key alliance partner in the previous NPP-led MDA government, is yet to decide on supporting the NPP or not.

“We will be sitting to take a call on the matter,” a senior leader of the UDP said over phone.

Earlier, NPP national president Conrad K Sangma after being re-elected as MLA of South Tura, defeating his closest rival Bernard N Marak of the BJP said, “I thank the people of the state for voting for our party.”

After winning again from Pynursla constituency, NPP national vice president and deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong said, “I thank the people for reposing their faith in us. We will work better.” Stating he was a bit disappointed as the party was not able to cross the magic number, Tynsong said, “However, we pledged to work harder for the people of the state.”