On voting day in the general elections to the Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Councils (KHADC and JHADC), the Congress Party has categorically ruled out working with the National People’s Party (NPP) when the results are made known on Monday.
Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee working president Pynshngain N Syiem, who is also MDC for Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah, has ruled out any potential alliance with the NPP in the KHADC. The two parties worked together since 2023 when the NPP pulled off a coup against its long-term ally, the United Democratic Party (UDP).
Syiem was the Deputy Chief Executive Member in the power-sharing arrangement as the Congress was the junior partner, but the decision to work with archrivals NPP was not taken well by the majority of party workers and citizens, Syiem said.
The Congress only pulled out of the alliance just before the election.
Syiem emphasised that the party’s stance is clear, stating, “As per the wishes of the majority, we will not like to work with the NPP.”
However, he did leave room for discussion if a situation arises where three to four parties need to collaborate due to a fractured mandate.
Regarding his own re-election prospects in Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah, Syiem expressed confidence, saying that he does not see any significant threat from the Voice of the People Party (VPP) or UDP. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the possibility of “silent voters” supporting these parties.
When asked if he would be the next CEM, Syiem said that if the Congress wins a good number of seats then he has a strong chance to lead the district council.
