Shillong, Oct 14: National People’s Party (NPP) Meghalaya State President, W. R. Kharlukhi on Saturday welcomed Wailad Shylla and Gilberth Sten into the party and announced that the duo will be the party candidates, who would contest from Jowai and Mokaiaw constituency respectively in Jaiñtia Hills.

A statement issued by the NPP said that the public meeting at Jowai welcoming Wailad Shylla and Gilberth Sten was attended by NPP leaders and functionaries from across the state including Songsak MLA, Nihim D. Shira, and Dasakhiat Lamare, the candidate of the NPP from Umroi constituency.

Infact, Umroi constituency is being represented by Congress MLA, Ngaidlang Dhar, who is set to leave the party.

Speaking at the meeting, Nihim Shira informed that the wave for NPP has gained momentum in Garo Hills and the party is expecting 15 seats from the 24 constituencies in the five district of Garo Hills.

Wailad Shylla, who is set to contest from Jowai constituency, currently represented by Deputy Chief Minister Dr. R. C. Laloo, expressed his happiness and joy for being welcomed into the NPP.

He said that in the coming election, he would ensure the victory of the party from Jowai and would ensure that there is accelerated development and growth in the region.

“Dr. Laloo has failed to deliver. The people are not in favour of him anywhere. The wind of change is visible and NPP will surely live upto the expectation of the people as a viable force to reckon and champion the cause and welfare of the people”.

Gilbert Sten who will contest from Mokaiaw constituency said, “NPP is the only alternative to give a fair battle to Congress. The people of Jaintia Hills are angry with the Congress. They have only made claims and false promises. The party and their leaders have not done anything for the region. We are confident that NPP will not just do well in Garo Hills but as well as in Khasi and Jaintia Hills”.

Sten added that NPP would manage to win 15 seats as well in Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

NPP National President Conrad K. Sangma, who could not attend the rally, conveyed his message where he welcomed Shylla and Sten into the party. The Tura MP expressed confidence that both the leaders would gear up campaign in Jaintia Hills and ensure that the party would pave a new era of change and development in Meghalaya.