SHILLONG: In a major political development ahead of the upcoming Shillong parliamentary seat by-election, former Rajya Sabha MP and erstwhile National People’s Party (NPP) State President Dr. W.R. Kharluki has thrown his weight behind the Indian National Congress and its candidate, Vincent H. Pala.
Addressing a press conference called to clear the air regarding his recent resignation from the NPP, Dr. Kharluki made it clear that his endorsement is driven by pressing national concerns rather than regional or petty politics—specifically, the controversial Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment (FCRA) Bill 2026.
Dr. Kharluki voiced profound concern over the legislation, asserting that after 79 years of India’s independence, the bill in its current form makes him feel threatened.
Singling out section 16(a) of the amendment as deeply disturbing and unacceptable, he lauded the Congress party for its staunch resistance during the previous parliamentary session.
According to him, Congress’s aggressive opposition prevented the legislation from instantly becoming law and successfully forced its referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
“If people really realize what is the situation we are facing, and if Pala there is 98, there will be 99, another person who will be there to fight against this Bill,” Dr. Kharluki stated, emphasizing that strengthening the grand old party is vital to defending tribal minorities against central overreach.
When asked whether this endorsement signals an imminent formal entry into the Congress party, he remained non-committal, saying, “Time will tell, when we reach the bridge, we will cross the bridge, you just wait because I am always patient.”
Addressing questions surrounding his exit from the NPP, Dr. Kharluki firmly dismissed rumors that he was sidelined, choosing instead to take the high road.
Refusing to point fingers or blame any individuals, he remarked that politicians who leave a party and cast blame look foolish. He clarified that his resignation was also not solely about the FCRA; rather, having served as a party president for 17 years—beginning from his days with the NCP—he simply felt it was time to hand over the reins.
Shedding light on his political philosophy, Dr. Kharluki shared a defining principle: “I always leave my party when they are in power, but I never betray my party when they are out of power.”
He also declined to comment on the current political lows of the United Democratic Party (UDP).
Expanding on his political philosophy, Dr. Kharluki recalled his past stand against the state’s reservation policy movement.
He explained that his opposition stemmed from a deep fear that the policy would divide Meghalaya into two, potentially costing the state its full statehood and reducing it to a Union Territory.
Such a status, he cautioned, would place land and home police directly under central control, stripping away crucial local protections.
Arguing that countering the ruling BJP requires robust national opposition rather than fragmented regional forces, Dr. Kharluki concluded by addressing whether he would aid in rebuilding the Congress the way he once helped revive the NPP.
Underscoring his faith in teamwork over individual stardom, he noted that true and lasting progress relies strictly on collective leadership.
(4FrontMedia news)
