In a significant political development, National People’s Party (NPP) sitting MDC from Jirang, Victor Rani, has officially resigned from the party and joined the Congress.
The move comes after Rani was denied a ticket to contest in the upcoming Autonomous District Councils (ADC) elections, marking a setback for Conrad Sangma’s NPP.
Rani’s defection to the Congress is being seen as a major blow to the ruling NPP, particularly in the Jirang constituency.
The shift was formalized at a gathering in Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi district, where Rani was warmly welcomed by Congress leaders and supporters.
This political shift is expected to bolster the Congress’ position in Jirang, with Rani emerging as a likely candidate for the upcoming ADCs polls.
Although the Congress has yet to officially announce its list of candidates, party insiders suggest that Rani’s chances of securing a ticket are high.
His inclusion is anticipated to add momentum to the party’s campaign in the region.
Meanwhile, the Congress is gearing up to release its first list of candidates for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) elections before Christmas.
Sources indicate that the announcement will be made in phases due to the high number of aspirants vying for tickets in various constituencies.
The party has confirmed its intention to contest all 29 seats in both councils, signalling a robust electoral strategy.
By contesting across constituencies, the Congress aims to reclaim its influence in the councils and counter the dominance of rival parties.
As the political landscape in Meghalaya heats up ahead of the ADCs elections, Rani’s move to the Congress is expected to reshape the dynamics in Jirang and beyond.
