SHILLONG, JULY 6: The National People’s Party (NPP) is receiving a “very good” response from voters across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, Deputy Chief Minister and NPP national vice president Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Monday.

Dhar, who is campaigning for party candidate Dr DRL Nonglait, said the mood on the ground was positive as the party intensified its outreach.

“As the days pass by, the response of the people across Khasi-Jaintia is very good. The way people met us, the way people are joining the NPP, the way they are attending meetings, and the way our candidate is approaching the people — it all looks positive,” Dhar told reporters.  

“It seems it will be a good by-election. So, hopefully, as of today, the report is very good and we will be able to win the election,” he added.

Asked about the basis of his confidence, Dhar said the party was focused on securing a victory irrespective of the margin.  

“I always believe that we will win the by-election. And I am not talking about the margin. Even one vote is enough. I just want to win,” he said.

On why voters should choose the NPP this time, Dhar said people were acknowledging the work done by the MDA government over the last eight years.

“The simple reason is that people are realizing that the government has done a lot of developmental work. A lot of work has been done in the last eight years. That is one of the reasons,” Dhar said.  

“People now realize that across the state we have to vote for the NPP,” he added.

The Shillong Lok Sabha seat fell vacant following the demise of sitting MP Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon. 

The by-election date is yet to be announced by the Election Commission of India.