Shillong, Aug 24: Former Rajya Sabha MP Wanweiroy Kharlukhi resigned from the primary membership of the National People’s Party (NPP) with immediate effect.
Kharlukhi submitted his resignation to NPP Meghalaya state president and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong in a letter dated today.
In the letter, Kharlukhi did not cite any specific reason for his decision. He thanked the party leadership and fellow members for the opportunities, support and experiences extended to him during his association with the NPP.
“I hereby tender my resignation from the primary membership of the National People’s Party with immediate effect,” Kharlukhi stated in the letter.
Kharlukhi served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from 2020 until June of this year when his term ended. He did not seek reelection and the NPP’s James PK Sangma was elected unopposed to succeed him.
His resignation comes amid heightened political activity in Meghalaya, though the letter itself does not indicate whether he plans to join another political party or pursue any other political course.
In the last few years the Kharlukhi camp in the NPP has reportedly become weaker, with a corresponding rise in power for the faction led by Sniawbhalang Dhar, who was elevated to the position of Deputy CM in 2023.
Speaking to reporters on the resignation, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who is also the NPP president, said he shared a long association with Kharlukhi, dating back to the time of his late father Purno A Sangma.
“It’s a decision that he has taken at his own level and I have nothing to say,” Sangma said, adding that he accepted the decision and cherished the many years they had worked together for the state and the party.
Recalling Kharlukhi’s political contribution, Sangma said his late father had once wanted Kharlukhi to become a Rajya Sabha member, although Kharlukhi had declined the offer at the time. Sangma said he later ensured that Kharlukhi was elected to the Upper House because of his long involvement in politics and governance.
“I felt that it was important that a person like that should be voicing our concerns in Parliament,” Sangma said.
At the same time, the CM acknowledged that Kharlukhi may have his own concerns and plans. “I wish him all the very best,” he said. “People will come and people will go. It’s okay. I mean, on a personal note, I am of course very sad that this has happened. I didn’t expect this to happen. But I respect it and I accept it,” he said.
Asked whether he would reach out to Kharlukhi and attempt to persuade him to reconsider his decision, Sangma said the matter would be discussed with party leaders. “We will see, we will see. We’ll discuss with the party leaders and then we’ll take a call,” he said.
