NPP to snap ties with BJP-led NDA if CAB is passed in Rajya Sabha

The decision was taken at the general body meeting of the NPP held in the state capital on Saturday.

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma was also re-elected unopposed as the national president of the National People’s Party for the second consecutive time.

Conrad took over as a leader of the party following the passing away of his father and founder of the NPP, late Purno Agitok Sangma in 2016.

After the meeting, Conrad told reporters that the party has unanimously adopted a resolution to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

He said the resolution will also be submitted to the Government of India with a demand that it should not go ahead with this Bill.

“At the same time the party has also decided if this Bill is passed in the Rajya Sabha then the NPP will be breaking its ties with the NDA,” the national president said.

Asked whether similar decision would be taken against the BJP-led governments in North-east, he said, “…if the Centre does go ahead and pass the Bill then as leaders of the North-east will take our stand to go against any government that does passed the Bill. Obviously it will have its consequences and will see when the time comes but what is important is to know the stand of the NPP. If the Bill is passed in Rajya Sabha will have no option but to withdraw from the NDA.”

Stating that the NPP will stick to its ideology, to fight for the people of the North-east region, Conrad said, “The NPP has never shy away and today we are taking the lead making sure that this Bill, which is really affecting the people of the region, is not passed.”

Highlighting the achievements of the party under his leadership, the NPP national chief said all the leaders who believe in the ideology of late PA Sangma have joined the party adding today the party is in government in four states and is having MLAs in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur.

“We will continue to strengthen the party and I am sure people of the North-east will understand the need of a platform and a party that will always take up the cause of the people of the region…Therefore, will continue to stick to our ideology and work for the people of North-east and I am sure in coming years people will realise what the NPP stand for and will give support to strengthen the party,” he said.

The meeting also passed the amended constitution of the party, financial report of the year 2017-18, and discussed at length regarding strengthening of the party for the upcoming parliamentary election and State Legislative Election for Arunachal Pradesh.

By Our Reporter