Shillong, Oct 24: The opposition National People’s Party (NPP) received a shot in the arm with Ampati Assembly Congress Youth president, Dipu Koch joining the party at Ampati in South West Garo Hills district.
NPP national president, Conrad K. Sangma welcomed Dipu to the party during the inauguration of the party office at Ampati and reposed faith that Koch would be able to gear up grassroots support for the party in South West Garo Hills and that the would be an asset for the NPP.

“Dipu Koch joining NPP is an indication that people even in Mukul’s area are not happy with his leadership. Congress has failed to live upto the expectation of the people. There is a wind of change across Meghalaya and Koch would channelize the spirit of the party among the youth,” Conrad said while addressing during the inauguration of the party office at Ampati.
At Chongnapara in South West Garo Hills, Conrad announced that Ian Botham K. Sangma (Janggam), a young and educated leader is working hard to ensure NPP’s victory.

“Janggam has been working at the grassroot to understand the problems of the people. He is an able leader with proper educational background. Young leader like him would ensure that people’s voices are well represented in the Assembly,” he said.
The Tura MP told the crowd that there is a huge expectation from the people of Khasi – Jaintia Hills that NPP would emerge as the single largest party and would form the government in 2018.
“Politicians cutting across party lines are coming to NPP. Several senior Congress leaders from Khasi Hills have expressed their support for NPP. People are confident that NPP is an alternative to end Congress’ misrule in Meghalaya,” Conrad said.
He said that few years ago, people in Khasi and Jaintia Hills perceived that NPP is a Garo party but now it has been understood by everyone that NPP is a party for the people of North East, the marginalized, minorities and for the vulnerable section of the society.
“There is a strong wave for NPP in Meghalaya. We have to unite and come together to support NPP candidates to ensure that we are able to form the government of the people and assure equal growth and development of the state”, Conrad told the crowd of over 3000 people at Chongnapara.

“We are expecting a good number of seats in Khasi and Jaintia Hills & Garo Hills and would form a single party government. If all our calculation goes right, we will form the government for the people of Meghalaya and work together to realise the dreams and fulfill the aspirations of the people”, Conrad asserted.

Stating that the people have rejected Congress party that ruled in 24 states of India, Conrad said, “Congress party has been reduced to four states. In Assam, Arunachal and Manipur, Congress party has been rejected. There is a similar wave in our state and we are sure that people would reject Congress here as well”, he expressed.
He explained that people rejected Congress party because they are doing nothing and only working for the benefit of its own people. “People are not reaping the benefits of the welfare programmes and development because Congress party has been selective in allotment of schemes to the people. We will unearth their unholy vision for the people”.
He said that as an MP of Tura Lok Sabha constituency, he has made efforts to raise the voice of the people of Garo Hills, Meghalaya and North East and has raised concern for the tribals, Christians and the minorities.