SHILLONG, MAY 21: Brushing aside VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit’s indication that he may enter the fray from Nartiang in 2028, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Thursday said he welcomed all challengers and did not consider himself the “owner” of the constituency.

“Why do you need to seek permission from me? I am not the owner of the constituency, I am the MLA of the constituency. Anybody can come and contest,” said Dhar, who has represented Nartiang for four terms.

“When the 2028 election comes, why should we invite somebody? Everybody is free to contest,” he said.

“Mr Sniawbhalang will contest, the UDP will contest, the BJP will also, the VPP will also contest. But I will say only one thing — in my constituency, anyone can contest. I cannot stop them,” he added.

On the NPP’s alliance with the BJP, Dhar said it would not impact the party’s 2028 prospects. “You see, there is no challenge in 2028. The people of the state know whom to vote and whom not to vote,” he said.

“Working with the BJP together, the ideology is different, and of course we will get development from the central government,” he said, adding “BJP will get their own seat, maybe plus minus, and NPP I think as of now more than 30. So, I think we will retain the same seats only.”