SHILLONG, MAY 21: Citing a wave of defections from rival camps, National People’s Party national vice president Sniawbhalang Dhar on Thursday said the party expects a “complete victory” for its Lok Sabha by-election candidate Dr DRL Nonglait.

“As things stand now, in almost all 36 constituencies, we are happy to announce as NPP that several people from different parties have joined us. This is an indication and a good sign that our candidate will secure a complete victory in the upcoming election,” Deputy Chief Minister Dhar told reporters.

He said the influx was visible across regions. “Because if you look at Jaintia Hills, Ri-Bhoi and Khasi Hills, people have joined the party and we welcome them wholeheartedly,” he added.

Dhar dismissed concerns of anti-incumbency against the ruling NPP.

“Anti-incumbency is always there as government, but our candidate is fresh, so there is no anti-incumbency against him,” he said.

On the party’s ground campaign, he said, “The campaign for the by-election of Lok Sabha, we from the party side along with the candidate along with party workers across the 36 constituencies, we are trying very well and we are working very hard to make sure that Dr DRL Nonglait comes with a good majority.”

“As of now we are separate in all 36 constituencies, so our party workers are on the ground and they are working very hard, so that we win the by-election,” he said.

Regarding a possible common candidate with allies, Dhar said, “We will leave it to them. If the BJP thinks of putting up its own candidate, the UDP also thinks so, and others have also put up. But if they don’t, we will then see about that. We will discuss how to go ahead.”