SHILLONG: Meghalaya’s ruling National People’s Party (NPP) witnessed a significant change in its ranks as Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong was appointed as the president of the party’s state unit on Tuesday.
The announcement was made by the NPP’s National President, Conrad Sangma, who expressed confidence in Tynsong’s leadership abilities and extensive experience in Meghalaya’s political arena.
In a social media post, Sangma highlighted Tynsong’s role in advancing the NPP’s mission and expanding its presence in the state and the broader Northeast region. He noted Tynsong’s rich experience in state politics, which made him the natural successor to Dr WR Kharlukhi, the outgoing state president.
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With the appointment, Minister Tynsong takes on the responsibilities of leading the Meghalaya State Unit of the NPP until further notice. As he steps into this role, he is relieved of all other obligations within the National Committee of the party.
Speaking about his priorities as the state president, Tynsong highlighted the reconstitution of party units at the state, block, and district levels. “My priority as the president will be to reconstitute the units in state, block and district level committees. Because of the upcoming elections, we will start this process very soon, say, in a one or weeks’ time,’ he told the press.
Furthermore, he also stressed that the NPP is set to reorganise the party’s presence throughout the entire Northeast. While confirming that the party is not participating in the Mizoram elections, Tynsong assured that the NPP remains active in the state through its state-level committees.
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Outgoing state president Kharlukhi expressed his confidence in the unity and continuity of the NPP’s efforts under the new leadership. He highlighted that the party’s strength as a political family has been a key factor in their success in achieving power in two terms.
Kharlukhi further projected a positive future, saying, “It is because of this that we succeeded in coming to power in two terms, and under the leadership of new president Prestone Tynsong, we will again come to power in 2028 with absolute majority.”
Responding to queries about Tynsong’s suitability for the NPP President post in comparison to other party leaders, Kharlukhi pointed to Tynsong’s extensive political experience and track record. “Tynsong has won five elections and held various ministerial positions, making him a seasoned veteran well-equipped to lead the party,” he added.
