Shillong, January 29, 2026: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Thursday said that the National People’s Party (NPP) is yet to take a decision on its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election, dismissing speculation over possible nominees.

Responding to reports suggesting that former Mawsynram legislator Himalaya Shangpliang could be the party’s choice, Dhar stressed that the NPP follows a collective decision-making process and that no name has been finalised.

“We haven’t decided on that because let us see and let the term finish first. We will sit as a party and collectively we will take a decision,” Dhar told reporters.

When asked about the possibility of James K Sangma being considered for the Rajya Sabha seat, the Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that the party has not arrived at any conclusion. “I told you we haven’t taken any decision yet. Maybe it is just a presumption from the public,” he said.

The NPP is expected to deliberate on its candidate closer to the completion of the incumbent’s term.