The National People's Party (NPP) on Monday kicked off its campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in Meghalaya.
"The Lok Sabha and the Assembly elections in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh are crucial for the NPP, which is trying to expand its reach in the Northeast region to give it a louder voice in Parliament," Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP Chief Conrad Sangma said in Chenanggre village.
The choice of Chenangre, which in the Garo dialect means "land of victory", for the launch of campaign was symbolic.
The NPP has fielded former Union Minister Agatha K. Sangma from the Tura Parliamentary constituency. She is pitted against Congress candidate Mukul Sangma, leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
Conrad said, "The NPP is spreading its base to other northeastern states. Unlike other political parties, the NPP understands the pulse of the region and is devoted to the protection of its indigenous people."
Seeking support for his sister Agatha, Conrad said, "Late PA Sangma served the Northeast, especially the Garo Hills, for over 40 years. The people of region loved him. We, his children, want to realise his unfulfilled dreams for the region."
Agatha said, "I am contesting the Lok Sabha election after 10 years. The first time I contested at the age of 27, Mukul said he didn't want to fight against a child."
"Now that I am old enough, and more experienced, I would take this election as a challenge and hope to serve the people of Garo Hills better," she said.
--IANS
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