Shillong, Feb 9: The NPP in Mawkynrew lost its supporters on Friday with over hundred of them left the party and joined the Congress to support the Congress candidate from Mawkynrew, Olet Kharsohnoh in this election slated for February 27.

The NPP workers were led by former vice president of NPP East Khasi Hills district and former president of NPP Mawkynrew, Harkin Warjri and they were inducted into the Congress at Congress Bhavan here in the presence of MPCC working president, James Lyngdoh, AICC election coordinator in Meghalaya, Neeta Dsouza and leaders of Mawkynrew Block Congress Committee, former Congress candidate Drosing Khongjoh besides office berars of the Mawkynrew Block Congress Committee, T. Surong, M Songthiang and others.

In his speech, MPCC working president, James Lyngdoh while welcoming the NPP leaders and workers to the party, said that their joining has boost the party and urged them to work hard for the candidate of the party and win from Mawkynrew constituency.

“In 2013, we nearly won the Mawkynrew constituency and we hope that this time, Congress will get the seat through our candidate (Olet),” Lyngdoh said

Warjri said that he has to leave the NPP because he found that the party is a “No Parking Party” for the poor but favoured only the rich.

He also criticized former MLA of Mawkynrew, Remington Pyngrope who is now the NPP candidate and alleged that Pyngrope has not raised issues in the Assembly even after 10 years of being elected.

He also said that the NPP and People’s Democratic Party (PDF) wanted to distance from the Congress as they are having close links with the BJP.

He also said that after the BJP formed the government at the Centre, people are facing many of problems be it demonetization.

He also cited an instance of the denial of visa to Dr Paul Msiza, the President of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) who was denied visa to come to Meghalaya to attend the 150 yeats of the Church in Garo Hills.

“The people have realized that we need the Congress to govern the country and the state,” he said.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) coordinator, Neeta D’Souza lauded the NPP supporters for taking the “right decision” which will further contribute towards the victory of the party in this election.