Shillong, Sep 7: Amid swirling speculation of dissent and the possibility of defections within the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and alliance partners like the United Democratic Party (UDP), Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar addressed an unusual late night press conference here today.
Dhar sought to project an image of calm, insisting that the NPP is “strong, peaceful and united” and that there is no conflict among its MLAs.
There was speculation that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), an ally but also sometimes rival of the NPP, had offered the Chief Ministership to Dhar if he were to defect to the saffron party. This speculation was only fueled with reports that Dhar’s brother and one time MLA, Ngaitlang, had met with a senior BJP figure late last month.
Addressing reporters today, Dhar dismissed suggestions of a rift in the NPP, which has been led by Sangma and, before him, his late father Purno A Sangma.
“We in the NPP family are all happy. There is no such move, no dialogue with the BJP. There is no threat at all,” Dhar said. “I know the character and the needs of the legislators. We are happy, there is no such thing at all. It is just speculation from other political parties.”
The NPP currently has an absolute majority in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly. To avoid falling foul of the anti-defection law, 60 percent of the NPP’s 33 MLAs would have to want to merge with the BJP, an almost insurmountable hurdle.
The clarification comes against the backdrop of reports that eight to nine MLAs from the UDP, a key ally in the state government, are planning to join the BJP due to internal differences. The buzz has been further fuelled by claims that a section within the NPP itself is also exploring a switch to the saffron party.
Dhar refused to be drawn into the UDP speculation, saying it was not his place to comment on another party’s affairs. “That is not my house, not my concern,” he said when asked about the reported UDP moves. However, he did state that it appeared to him that the BJP was not actively seeking defections but that the UDP members were unhappy with their current lot and were seeking new avenues.
The Deputy CM also sought to put to rest talk about his own ambitions, categorically denying that he is eyeing the Chief Minister’s post. “It is not true that I want to become the Chief Minister of the state,” he said.
Dhar had been a Congress Party minister prior to switching allegiances to the NPP ahead of the 2018 election. He was elevated to Deputy CM after the NPP held on to power in the 2023 state election. One of the state’s richest MLAs, Dhar’s family has extensive business interests in Meghalaya but has always appeared content to be close to but not holding the reins of power.
He further expressed confidence that the NPP-led government would see out its term and win the next election, due in 2028, as well.
