Election Commission accords National People’s Party (NPP) national party status

A Correspondent

SHILLONG: The Election Commission (EC) on Friday accorded “national party” status to the National People’s Party (NPP).

The EC has also allotted the symbol of “Book” to the NPP as per the request of the party. The NPP is already a recognized State party in Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

As per provisions, to get national party status, the party should be recognized as a State party in at least four States.

With the NPP being recognized as a State party in the fourth State – Arunachal Pradesh – the party has fulfilled the criteria.

In a letter signed by Secretary of the EC, Pramod Kumar Sharma, the EC stated that the review of the poll performance of the NPP in Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly this year shows that the candidates set up by the party have polled 14.55 per cent of the valid votes polled, and in addition the party won five out of the 60 seats there.

“It is seen from the above poll performance of the party that it has fulfilled the requirements for recognition as State party in Arunachal Pradesh,” Sharma stated in the order.

Meanwhile, NPP national president and Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma took to twitter to announce it.

“It is a very nostalgic moment for all of us that the party founded by Late Purno Agitok Sangma has achieved its due recognition. It is not just an achievement for NPP but for the people of #Northeast for their overwhelming support and thrust bestowed on the party,” Conrad tweeted.

He also said, “The recognition of #NPP as National Party status will surely motivate each member of the family of NPP and will further enable us to work for the greater cause of the region and its people.” The party was founded by former Lok Sabha Speaker, Late P A Sangma after his expulsion from the NCP in July 2012, when he refused to accept party decision to quit the Indian presidential election.

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