SHILLONG, MAY 26: In a surprising development on Monday night, NPP’s campaign for the Shillong Lok Sabha byelection gained cross-party backing when Snarbor Laloo, a prominent Voice of the People Party (VPP) supporter, publicly extended his support to NPP candidate Dr DRL Nonglait.
Laloo joined the NPP’s election meeting at Chilliangraij Dorbar Hall, where he was welcomed by party leaders.
His presence caught many in attendance off guard, including Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla.
“This is something special. I did not expect this, but we are growing from strength to strength as this campaign gains momentum,” Shylla said.
He thanked Dr Nonglait for contesting as the NPP’s official candidate, adding, “You have shown your strength today. We did not expect Snarbor to come out in support of our candidate.”
Shylla said the endorsement reflected Dr Nonglait’s wide appeal. “I know many of you are surprised to see Snarbor here with us. This shows Dr Nonglait’s ability to bring together people we never thought would support our candidate. This is just one example,” he said.
According to Shylla, support for the NPP nominee is rising across the region. “People from across Khasi-Jaintia Hills are coming forward to support the NPP and our candidate because he enjoys the faith and confidence of the people,” he noted.
Highlighting Dr Nonglait’s credentials, Shylla pointed to his role in securing official status for the Khasi language. “We should congratulate him. As KAS president, without holding political office, he ensured Khasi was recognized as an official language. As an MP, he will be able to push for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution,” he said.
Dr Nonglait said meeting Laloo for the first time was encouraging. “I had never met him or spoken to him over the phone. I had only seen madiah on YouTube. Today I got to meet him in person,” he said.
“In our short discussion, I realized he is a responsible person and we think along the same lines,” Dr Nonglait added.
“It inspires me to see a mature voice, who speaks up for the welfare and development of the region, standing with us.”
The meeting drew a packed hall, with supporters filling the venue.
