NPP MDC from Mawsynram Alvin K. Sawkmie today expressed hope that the joining of former Mawsynram MLA Himalaya M. Shangpliang into the NPP would be the last change of political loyalty by him.
Sawkmie was speaking at the function held at the NPP office here to welcome Shangpliang into the party.
“I hope that this new girlfriend (NPP) will be the last girlfriend for you,” Sawkmie said as Shangpliang nodded with a smile.
Interestingly, Shangpliang has joined four parties in the last six years. He was first with Congress and then switched over to Trinamool Congress, BJP and now NPP.
Today Shangpliang was welcomed by Chief Minister and NPP president, Conrad Sangma, Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar and other party leaders.
Thanking the NPP for welcoming him, Shangpliang said that he was impressed with the emphasis given by the party for the development of the State, the focus on entrepreneurship, tourism, agro processing, skilling of the youth and various livelihood sectors.
“The endeavour of the party to support the farmers of the State under flagship programmes like FOCUS and so on and the party’s assurance to continue to engage with the Government of India for the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, for the implementation of the ILP in Meghalaya for which resolutions have been passed in the Assembly by the MDA government. These issues and concerns taken up by the party for the welfare of the people of the State have persuaded and convinced me to be part of the growth today. And hence, I joined the NPP,” Shangpliang maintained.
Conrad Sangma in his speech lauded the NPP MDC from Mawsynram Alvin K. Sawkmie for his large heart in allowing Shangpliang to join the NPP.
“What matters for the State and what is important for the organisation and our people is above all other personal gains and importance that you may have. I really appreciate Sawkmie’s leadership quality for being magnanimous and allowing this entire process to take place and working closely with Himalaya Shangpliang to strengthen the party at Mawsynram constituency as well as the entire State,” Sangma said.
“I’m very happy to have Himalaya because of the qualities that he has and we have seen him in the Assembly sessions as somebody who can really express and articulate and bring out the issues and concerns of the people,” he added.