Shillong Jan 5: Founder of People’s Democratic Party (PDF), P N Syiem along with several leaders of the PDF Mawsynram Zonal Committee joined the National People’s Party (NPP) on Saturday.

The PDF Mawsynram president, secretary, mahila and youth wing members also joined the NPP in the presence of NPP National President, Conrad K. Sangma, State NPP President Dr. W. R. Kharlukhi and a host of other NPP leaders at a function in Mawsynram.

Conrad also declared Alvin K. Sawkmie as the NPP’s official candidate from Mawsynram in the upcoming elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

Speaking on the occasion, Conrad termed the joining of Syiem a “historic” and an opportune moment of two political forces coming together with a common vision to work for the people of Mawsynram and the State as a whole.

“I have campaigned in Mawsynram constituency many times, and PN Syiem and I were in opposite sides fighting elections democratically and presented our vision to the people. Today, we are in the same side with our teams together to raise the voice and concerns of the people together,” he added.

Terming NPP as a party with specific vision and goals for the people of Northeast, Conrad said, “NPP is a purpose driven party that is committed to give voice to the voiceless and the religious minorities who don’t have voice and cannot be heard.”

Attacking the Congress and its leader Dr. Mukul Sangma, the NPP chief said, “There is dissatisfaction in the Congress party because of the dictatorial style of functioning by its leader. They had even sidelined Dr. DD Lapang, who had served the Congress for over 50 years.”

Conrad blamed Dr. Mukul for his irresponsible style of functioning by sanctioning different projects without even thinking from where the funds would come for executing the projects.

“He (Dr Mukul) kept announcing projects after projects and laid foundation stones but there was no planning on how the projects would be executed and completed,” he added.

“What is most shocking that Mukul announced schemes like Rice mission, which did not exist and there was no documentation but money amounting to crores of rupees were utilised for such programme,” he said.

Talking about coal issue, Conrad said, “In the past nine months, the MDA government has engaged with the Central leadership for almost 10 times to resolve the issue. We are for proper and scientific approach to mining with utmost concern for the environment and safety of miners and ensure livelihood of the people, while the previous Congress government never made an attempt to resolve mining issue.”

Syiem in his speech said that termed NPP an only party that can fulfill aspirations of the people in the Northeast and under the leadership of Conrad K. Sangma, he foresees a future for Meghalaya.

“You may ask me a question why I have joined NPP (Conrad K. Sangma). I believe that under your (Conrad) dynamic leadership, the state will prosper. People of the Northeast have to come together if this has to happen, and we have to have faith in the NPP,” Syiem said.

He said that different communities in Mawsynram find it convenient to align with the NPP and it is the best option to serve the people.

Former Chief Minister and NPP leader, Dr. DD Lapang said, “Humility and sincerity of Conrad K. Sangma who inspite of studying abroad and holding several degrees is so much concerned for the people and his leadership qualities has attracted leaders like me and PN Syiem and others to join the NPP.”

“Every time I sit along with Conrad, I remember late P.A. Sangma, the tallest leader from Northeast with whom I had served when he was the Chief Minister of Meghalaya. He (Conrad) possesses the qualities of his late father.”

He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Conrad, the MDA government will complete its full term and assure development for the state and welfare of the people.

He also said that during his last political journey, he would continue to serve NPP and ensure that the party grows stronger.