The National People’s Party (NPP) led by Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma&nbsp;has withdrawn its support to the BJP-led government in Manipur. NPP President Sangma wrote to BJP national president JP Nadda informing him of the decision.

In a formal letter, the NPP criticised the leadership of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, accusing his government of failing to address the ongoing crisis in the state, particularly after a recent surge in violence.

“We strongly feel that the Manipur State Government under the leadership of Shri Biren Singh has completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy,” the letter stated.

"Keeping the current situation in mind, the National People's Party has decided to withdraw its support to the Biren Singh-led Government in the State of Manipur, with immediate effect," the party added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/political-ambitions-have-overtaken-our-delhi-minister-kailash-gahlot-quits-post-and-aap-776812">Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot quits post and party; slams AAP leadership</a>

The BJP has a clear majority with 37 MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly and is supported by allies including the Naga People’s Front (NPF) with five MLAs, one MLA from the JD(U), and three Independents. The NPP, which has seven MLAs, was part of this coalition until its recent withdrawal.

<h2>Amit Shah reviews Manipur security</h2>

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reviewed the security situation in Manipur following fresh incidents of violence. Reports suggest that he held a meeting with senior officials in Delhi and is scheduled to have a more detailed discussion on Monday (Nov. 18)&nbsp;at 12:00 PM.

The situation in Manipur deteriorated after the discovery of six bodies in Jiribam, reportedly kidnapped and killed by Kuki militants. Protests erupted in the Valley districts, prompting authorities to impose curfews in Imphal West and East. Internet services were also suspended in seven districts. The unrest led to mobs attacking and vandalising the homes of several MLAs, further worsening the situation.

So far, police in Manipur arrested 23 people for vandalising and setting fire to the homes of lawmakers and ministers on Sunday (Nov. 17). Meanwhile, hundreds of people protested against recent violent killings, ignoring the curfew. This was the second day of unrest, leading to a tense situation in Imphal, the state capital.

(With inputs from agencies)

The National People’s Party (NPP) led by Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma has withdrawn its support to the BJP-led government in Manipur. NPP President Sangma wrote to BJP national president JP Nadda informing him of the decision.

The National People’s Party (NPP) led by Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma has withdrawn its support to the BJP-led government in Manipur. NPP President Sangma wrote to BJP national president JP Nadda informing him of the decision. In a formal letter, the NPP criticised the leadership of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, accusing his government of failing to address the ongoing crisis in the state, particularly after a recent surge in violence. “We strongly feel that the Manipur State Government under the leadership of Shri Biren Singh has completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy,” the letter stated. "Keeping the current situation in mind, the National People's Party has decided to withdraw its support to the Biren Singh-led Government in the State of Manipur, with immediate effect," the party added. Also read: Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot quits post and party; slams AAP leadership The BJP has a clear majority with 37 MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly and is supported by allies including the Naga People’s Front (NPF) with five MLAs, one MLA from the JD(U), and three Independents. The NPP, which has seven MLAs, was part of this coalition until its recent withdrawal. Amit Shah reviews Manipur security Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reviewed the security situation in Manipur following fresh incidents of violence. Reports suggest that he held a meeting with senior officials in Delhi and is scheduled to have a more detailed discussion on Monday (Nov. 18) at 12:00 PM. The situation in Manipur deteriorated after the discovery of six bodies in Jiribam, reportedly kidnapped and killed by Kuki militants. Protests erupted in the Valley districts, prompting authorities to impose curfews in Imphal West and East. Internet services were also suspended in seven districts. The unrest led to mobs attacking and vandalising the homes of several MLAs, further worsening the situation. So far, police in Manipur arrested 23 people for vandalising and setting fire to the homes of lawmakers and ministers on Sunday (Nov. 17). Meanwhile, hundreds of people protested against recent violent killings, ignoring the curfew. This was the second day of unrest, leading to a tense situation in Imphal, the state capital. (With inputs from agencies)

Manipur violence: Conrad Sangma’s NPP withdraws support from BJP govt; Amit Shah reviews security

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A day after the EC granted the NPP the status of a national party, its president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted that his party would never compromise on the aspirations of northeast people, while trying to expand its base beyond the region.

Addressing the party's first northeast co-ordination committee meeting here on Saturday, Sangma said the National People's Party (NPP) aims to take part in the country's policy-making decisions and work for the voiceless and the marginalized sections.

"Our motto and mission to serve the people of northeast will always be of supreme importance, as we begin a fresh chapter to expand our footprint in new regions and strengthen our organization in the states where we already have a presence," he said.

An ally of the BJP in Meghalaya, the Sangma-led party on Friday became the first political outfit in the northeast to have earned the tag of a national party.

It has been recognised as a state party by Election Commission (EC) in four states Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

"The recognition of NPP as a national party is a great achievement for the people of northeast. I take this opportunity to congratulate each member of the party, who has worked tirelessly in different states.

"It is a moment for all of us to remember the ideals of our late leader (party's founder) Purno Sangma, whose contributions have made this possible. Though he is not among us today, his ideals will live forever," the CM said.

Talking about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which the BJP has promised to bring into force despite massive protests in the region, Sangma said his party would urge the Centre to hold parleys with all stakeholders and build confidence among people before making a move.

"We will never compromise on the regional aspirations of the people of northeast and engage in consultations to protect and safeguard the interest of the indigenous communities," he maintained.

The 'national party' tag is a "testimony of how every member has worked for it, brick by brick", the NPP boss said.

"It is the because of collective contribution of all states, including candidates who contested and lost the polls and MLAs who won, that the party was accorded the status.

"The NPP is not just a party from the northeast, but a party purely created by the northeast to fulfil the aspiration of our people," Sangma added.

The NPP has 21 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya House, four in the Manipur House and five MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh. It had two MLAs in Nagaland until they merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party earlier this year.

Veteran leader and former chief minister D D Lapang, who was also present at the meeting, said the party will prepare a road map to take its ideologies and vision to every nook and corner of the northeast.

"It is our responsibility to carry forward the onus of representing the regional aspirations at the national level. The NPP has remained committed and it will continue to fulfil its agenda," Lapang said.

Among others who were present at Saturday's meet were Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Joykumar Singh and legislative party leader of Arunachal Pradesh Mutchu Mithi.&nbsp;

A day after the EC granted the NPP the status of a national party, its president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted that his party would never compromise on the aspirations of northeast people, while trying to expand its base beyond the region.

A day after the EC granted the NPP the status of a national party, its president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted that his party would never compromise on the aspirations of northeast people, while trying to expand its base beyond the region. Addressing the party's first northeast co-ordination committee meeting here on Saturday, Sangma said the National People's Party (NPP) aims to take part in the country's policy-making decisions and work for the voiceless and the marginalized sections. "Our motto and mission to serve the people of northeast will always be of supreme importance, as we begin a fresh chapter to expand our footprint in new regions and strengthen our organization in the states where we already have a presence," he said. An ally of the BJP in Meghalaya, the Sangma-led party on Friday became the first political outfit in the northeast to have earned the tag of a national party. It has been recognised as a state party by Election Commission (EC) in four states Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland. "The recognition of NPP as a national party is a great achievement for the people of northeast. I take this opportunity to congratulate each member of the party, who has worked tirelessly in different states. "It is a moment for all of us to remember the ideals of our late leader (party's founder) Purno Sangma, whose contributions have made this possible. Though he is not among us today, his ideals will live forever," the CM said. Talking about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which the BJP has promised to bring into force despite massive protests in the region, Sangma said his party would urge the Centre to hold parleys with all stakeholders and build confidence among people before making a move. "We will never compromise on the regional aspirations of the people of northeast and engage in consultations to protect and safeguard the interest of the indigenous communities," he maintained. The 'national party' tag is a "testimony of how every member has worked for it, brick by brick", the NPP boss said. "It is the because of collective contribution of all states, including candidates who contested and lost the polls and MLAs who won, that the party was accorded the status. "The NPP is not just a party from the northeast, but a party purely created by the northeast to fulfil the aspiration of our people," Sangma added. The NPP has 21 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya House, four in the Manipur House and five MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh. It had two MLAs in Nagaland until they merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party earlier this year. Veteran leader and former chief minister D D Lapang, who was also present at the meeting, said the party will prepare a road map to take its ideologies and vision to every nook and corner of the northeast. "It is our responsibility to carry forward the onus of representing the regional aspirations at the national level. The NPP has remained committed and it will continue to fulfil its agenda," Lapang said. Among others who were present at Saturday's meet were Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Joykumar Singh and legislative party leader of Arunachal Pradesh Mutchu Mithi.

Will continue to serve northeast people, expand National People's Party base: Conrad K Sangma

In a major setback to the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in North-East ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, as many as 18 BJP leaders in Arunachal Pradesh quit the party to join the National People’s Party (NPP).

Of the total 18 leaders from Arunachal, there are eight sitting MLAs including two ministers - Home Minister Kumar Waii and Tourism Minister Jarkar Gamlin. The BJP MLAs who quit the party are Thangwang Wangham, Tapuk Taku, Pani Taram, Pangka Bage, Wangling Lowandong, Kardo Nyigyor and party’s former general secretary Jarpum Gamlin, and former minister Tsering Jurmey.

Thomas Sangma, National General Secretary, NPP said, “I'm delighted to welcome eight sitting minister and MLAs to our party. National People's Party will not form an alliance with anyone. BJP's ideology is not right. It is not a secular party.”

The National People’s Party (NPP) led by Conrad Sangma who is also the Chief Minister of Meghalaya is one of the largest parties in the North East. NPP was earlier a part of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and BJP’s biggest electoral ally in the North East.

However, Sangma fell out of the party after the BJP passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

Sources close to Sangma said that he will field close to 30-40 candidates from his own party in the 60-seat assembly in Arunachal Pradesh.

On the other hand, K Waii, the former Arunachal Pradesh home minister said hours after his joining, “If BJP was the right party, I'd have been working for it. BJP says that for them country is first, party second and person third but they are doing dynasty politics. This is a secular state but BJP is an anti-religion party.”

This apart, sources in the state unit of BJP claimed that the leaders switched over to NPP after they were denied tickets by the BJP’s central election committee.

“After assessing the ground situation, our central election committee decided whom to give tickets in the ensuing elections. Some sitting ministers and MLAs were denied tickets by the central election committee,” union minister Kiren Rijiju had said.

On Sunday evening, BJP released the candidate’s list for a total of 54 seats of the total 60 seats in the Arunachal Pradesh assembly. The state goes for the polls simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, 2019.

In a major setback to the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in North-East ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, as many as 18 BJP leaders in Arunachal Pradesh quit the party to join the National People’s Party (NPP).

In a major setback to the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in North-East ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, as many as 18 BJP leaders in Arunachal Pradesh quit the party to join the National People’s Party (NPP). Of the total 18 leaders from Arunachal, there are eight sitting MLAs including two ministers - Home Minister Kumar Waii and Tourism Minister Jarkar Gamlin. The BJP MLAs who quit the party are Thangwang Wangham, Tapuk Taku, Pani Taram, Pangka Bage, Wangling Lowandong, Kardo Nyigyor and party’s former general secretary Jarpum Gamlin, and former minister Tsering Jurmey. Thomas Sangma, National General Secretary, NPP said, “I'm delighted to welcome eight sitting minister and MLAs to our party. National People's Party will not form an alliance with anyone. BJP's ideology is not right. It is not a secular party.” The National People’s Party (NPP) led by Conrad Sangma who is also the Chief Minister of Meghalaya is one of the largest parties in the North East. NPP was earlier a part of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and BJP’s biggest electoral ally in the North East. However, Sangma fell out of the party after the BJP passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Sources close to Sangma said that he will field close to 30-40 candidates from his own party in the 60-seat assembly in Arunachal Pradesh. On the other hand, K Waii, the former Arunachal Pradesh home minister said hours after his joining, “If BJP was the right party, I'd have been working for it. BJP says that for them country is first, party second and person third but they are doing dynasty politics. This is a secular state but BJP is an anti-religion party.” This apart, sources in the state unit of BJP claimed that the leaders switched over to NPP after they were denied tickets by the BJP’s central election committee. “After assessing the ground situation, our central election committee decided whom to give tickets in the ensuing elections. Some sitting ministers and MLAs were denied tickets by the central election committee,” union minister Kiren Rijiju had said. On Sunday evening, BJP released the candidate’s list for a total of 54 seats of the total 60 seats in the Arunachal Pradesh assembly. The state goes for the polls simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, 2019.

Major setback for BJP in North East: 18 leaders of Arunachal quit party to join NPP

The National People’s Party (NPP) on Friday announced that former Union Minister Agatha K Sangma and Thangminlien Kipgen will contest Lok Sabha elections for the Tura Lok Sabha seat in Meghalaya and Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency respectively.

The two names were approved by the Central Election Committee of the NPP in a meeting chaired by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in Delhi.

Two Lok Sabha seats each are at stake in Manipur and Meghalaya.

This time the NPP has decided to field in the North East and support candidate of the United Democratic Party (UDP) from Shillong for ensuing general elections.

The Congress party, which released its third list of its candidates for Lok Sabha polls on Friday night, has decided to field former chief minister Mukul Sangma as its candidate from Tura and current Lok Sabha MP Vincent H Pala from Shillong.

The party also announced that Ferlene C A Sangma will contest the byelection of Selsella Assembly seat in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district.

Election to the Tura Lok Sabha seat and byelection to the Selsella Assembly constituency will be held on April 11.

This time, the general elections will be held in seven-phase starting from April 11. The last phase of polling is scheduled for May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

The National People’s Party (NPP) on Friday announced that former Union Minister Agatha K Sangma and Thangminlien Kipgen will contest Lok Sabha elections for the Tura Lok Sabha seat in Meghalaya and Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency respectively.

The National People’s Party (NPP) on Friday announced that former Union Minister Agatha K Sangma and Thangminlien Kipgen will contest Lok Sabha elections for the Tura Lok Sabha seat in Meghalaya and Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency respectively. The two names were approved by the Central Election Committee of the NPP in a meeting chaired by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in Delhi. Two Lok Sabha seats each are at stake in Manipur and Meghalaya. This time the NPP has decided to field in the North East and support candidate of the United Democratic Party (UDP) from Shillong for ensuing general elections. The Congress party, which released its third list of its candidates for Lok Sabha polls on Friday night, has decided to field former chief minister Mukul Sangma as its candidate from Tura and current Lok Sabha MP Vincent H Pala from Shillong. The party also announced that Ferlene C A Sangma will contest the byelection of Selsella Assembly seat in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district. Election to the Tura Lok Sabha seat and byelection to the Selsella Assembly constituency will be held on April 11. This time, the general elections will be held in seven-phase starting from April 11. The last phase of polling is scheduled for May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

NPP to field Agatha K Sangma from Meghalaya's Tura Lok Sabha constituency

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/conrad-sangma-to-take-oath-as-meghalaya-chief-minister-today-34798">National </a>People&#39;s Party(NPP) leader Conrad Sangma was today sworn-in as Meghalaya chief minister after he took oath in a glittering ceremony attended by BJP president Amit Shah and home minister Rajnath Singh.

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NPP&#39;s Conrad Sangma takes oath as Meghalaya CM in Shillong. <a href="https://t.co/bDZB4KnLM7">pic.twitter.com/bDZB4KnLM7</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970889076516773888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In a much-anticipated&nbsp;oath-taking&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/conrad-sangma-to-take-oath-as-meghalaya-chief-minister-today-34798">ceremony, </a>NPP&nbsp;president Conrad Sangma&#39;s party members arrived in Shillong today to take oath to form the new government in&nbsp;Meghalaya&nbsp;as the BJP helped to setup another government in the North East.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-conrad-sangma-the-new-chief-minister-of-meghalaya-34833">Read: Who is Conrad Sangma?</a>

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Council of Ministers being sworn-in at oath ceremony in Meghalaya&#39;s Shillong <a href="https://t.co/SUWZEQ34cZ">pic.twitter.com/SUWZEQ34cZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970892378017095681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Last week Meghalaya polls <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-see-maturity-in-rahul-gandhi-himanta-biswa-on-congress-staking-claim-to-form-govt-in-meghalaya-34643">had thrown up a hung assembly</a>, however, to break the deadlock the BJP along with the United Democratic Party (UDP) extended support to the NPP after it bagged the second largest seats - 19 in all - in the 60 member state assembly.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a> Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP President Amit Shah arrive for oath taking ceremony of Meghalaya CM elect Conrad Sangma &amp; others in Shillong <a href="https://t.co/ehx91TcaUT">pic.twitter.com/ehx91TcaUT</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970886677760823296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Although&nbsp;the Congress had bagged 21 seats but it wasn&#39;t able to cobble together a government as the Opposition was determined to form a &quot;non-Congress&quot; in the state.

During the polls, BJP got 2&nbsp;seats, the United Democratic Party bagged 6&nbsp;seats, the People&#39;s Democratic Front won 4 seats, the Hill State People&#39;s Democratic Party got 2&nbsp;seats, the NCP and the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement won one seat&nbsp;each and Independents bagged three seats.

Congress which had bagged 21 seats wasn't able to cobble together a government

National People's Party(NPP) leader Conrad Sangma was today sworn-in as Meghalaya chief minister after he took oath in a glittering ceremony attended by BJP president Amit Shah and home minister Rajnath Singh. NPP's Conrad Sangma takes oath as Meghalaya CM in Shillong. pic.twitter.com/bDZB4KnLM7 — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018 × In a much-anticipated oath-taking ceremony, NPP president Conrad Sangma's party members arrived in Shillong today to take oath to form the new government in Meghalaya as the BJP helped to setup another government in the North East. Read: Who is Conrad Sangma? Council of Ministers being sworn-in at oath ceremony in Meghalaya's Shillong pic.twitter.com/SUWZEQ34cZ — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018 × Last week Meghalaya polls had thrown up a hung assembly, however, to break the deadlock the BJP along with the United Democratic Party (UDP) extended support to the NPP after it bagged the second largest seats - 19 in all - in the 60 member state assembly. #Meghalaya Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP President Amit Shah arrive for oath taking ceremony of Meghalaya CM elect Conrad Sangma & others in Shillong pic.twitter.com/ehx91TcaUT — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018 × Although the Congress had bagged 21 seats but it wasn't able to cobble together a government as the Opposition was determined to form a "non-Congress" in the state. During the polls, BJP got 2 seats, the United Democratic Party bagged 6 seats, the People's Democratic Front won 4 seats, the Hill State People's Democratic Party got 2 seats, the NCP and the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement won one seat each and Independents bagged three seats.

NPP leader Conrad Sangma sworn in as Meghalaya chief minister

Having entered politics at an early age in the shadow of his father, Conrad K Sangma has come into his own after successfully leading his party NPP in Meghalaya Assembly elections and uniting regional outfits against the Congress.

Conrad Sangma, 40, son of former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma, took charge of the National People&#39;s Party after his father&#39;s death in March 2016 and projected it as the main contender against the Congress, which had ruled the state for 10 years.

In the 2013 assembly elections, the NPP had won just two out the 32 it contested with a vote share of less than 10 per cent. Even Conrad lost by a huge margin. But the tide started to turn with his 2016 by-election victory from Tura Lok Sabha seat.

Conrad Sangma defeated the then chief minister Mukul Sangma&#39;s wife Dikkanchi D Shira by nearly two lakh votes, retaining the seat held by his late father for over four decades by the highest margin ever.

His father Purno A Sangma was a nine-time parliamentarian and Meghalaya chief minister from 1988 to 1990.

Conrad Sangma, who became the 12th chief minister of Meghalaya today, had learnt his first lesson in politics when he was made campaign manager of his father in 1999.

That was the time when P A Sangma had left the Congress and was closely associated with Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He severed ties with NCP in 2013 to form the NPP.

A graduate in Entrepreneurial Management and Finance from the University of London, Conrad Sangma&#39;s electoral stint began in 2008 when he was elected to the state assembly and served one year as the finance minister in the Donkupar Roy-led- non Congress government. He served as the leader of the opposition in the assembly from 2010 to 2013.

On March 3 this year he pulled up victory in 19 of the 51 seats his party had contested, the biggest haul by any regional party in the past two decades, bagging 20.6 per cent of the vote share.

The All Party Hill Leaders Conference had won 32 seats on its own in 1972.

Conrad Sangma managed to cobble up a coalition government in Meghalaya with the support of other regional parties, the BJP and an independent MLA.

The NPP leader was born at Tura, the headquarters of Garo Hills division in West Garo Hills district, from where he is the Lok Sabha MP.&nbsp;

Sangma took charge of the NPP after his father's death in March 2016

Having entered politics at an early age in the shadow of his father, Conrad K Sangma has come into his own after successfully leading his party NPP in Meghalaya Assembly elections and uniting regional outfits against the Congress. Conrad Sangma, 40, son of former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma, took charge of the National People's Party after his father's death in March 2016 and projected it as the main contender against the Congress, which had ruled the state for 10 years. In the 2013 assembly elections, the NPP had won just two out the 32 it contested with a vote share of less than 10 per cent. Even Conrad lost by a huge margin. But the tide started to turn with his 2016 by-election victory from Tura Lok Sabha seat. Conrad Sangma defeated the then chief minister Mukul Sangma's wife Dikkanchi D Shira by nearly two lakh votes, retaining the seat held by his late father for over four decades by the highest margin ever. His father Purno A Sangma was a nine-time parliamentarian and Meghalaya chief minister from 1988 to 1990. Conrad Sangma, who became the 12th chief minister of Meghalaya today, had learnt his first lesson in politics when he was made campaign manager of his father in 1999. That was the time when P A Sangma had left the Congress and was closely associated with Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He severed ties with NCP in 2013 to form the NPP. A graduate in Entrepreneurial Management and Finance from the University of London, Conrad Sangma's electoral stint began in 2008 when he was elected to the state assembly and served one year as the finance minister in the Donkupar Roy-led- non Congress government. He served as the leader of the opposition in the assembly from 2010 to 2013. On March 3 this year he pulled up victory in 19 of the 51 seats his party had contested, the biggest haul by any regional party in the past two decades, bagging 20.6 per cent of the vote share. The All Party Hill Leaders Conference had won 32 seats on its own in 1972. Conrad Sangma managed to cobble up a coalition government in Meghalaya with the support of other regional parties, the BJP and an independent MLA. The NPP leader was born at Tura, the headquarters of Garo Hills division in West Garo Hills district, from where he is the Lok Sabha MP.

Conrad Sangma: Meghalaya's new CM who managed to bring regional parties together

National People&#39;s Party (NPP) president Conrad Sangma took oath as the 12th chief minister of Meghalaya in Shillong today.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president Amit Shah, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and BJP national spokesperson Nalin Kohli were present at the swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;

Here are the 12 MLAs who were sworn in as a council of ministers:

Prestone Tynsong, NPP 
Sniawbhalang Dhar, NPP 
James K Sangma, NPP 
Comingone Ymbon, NPP 
Metbah Lyngdoh, UDP 
Kyrmen Shylla, UDP 
Lahkmen Rymbui, UDP 
Banteidor Lyngdoh, PDF 
Hamletson Dohling, PDF 
AL Hek, BJP 
Samlin Malngiang, HSPDP

It must be noted that the council of ministers include five first-timers, meaning they have become an MLAs for the first time.

Three ex-Congress leaders &ndash; Prestone Tynsong, Sniawbhalang Dharm, and Comingone Ymbon, who joined the NPP before the polls have also been rewarded by giving them important portfolios and including them in the council of ministers.

NPP president Conrad Sangma's party members arrived in Shillong today to take oath to form the new government in Meghalaya as the BJP helped to setup another government in the North East

National People's Party (NPP) president Conrad Sangma took oath as the 12th chief minister of Meghalaya in Shillong today. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president Amit Shah, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and BJP national spokesperson Nalin Kohli were present at the swearing-in ceremony. Here are the 12 MLAs who were sworn in as a council of ministers: Prestone Tynsong, NPP Sniawbhalang Dhar, NPP James K Sangma, NPP Comingone Ymbon, NPP Metbah Lyngdoh, UDP Kyrmen Shylla, UDP Lahkmen Rymbui, UDP Banteidor Lyngdoh, PDF Hamletson Dohling, PDF AL Hek, BJP Samlin Malngiang, HSPDP It must be noted that the council of ministers include five first-timers, meaning they have become an MLAs for the first time. Three ex-Congress leaders – Prestone Tynsong, Sniawbhalang Dharm, and Comingone Ymbon, who joined the NPP before the polls have also been rewarded by giving them important portfolios and including them in the council of ministers.

Meghalaya: The full list of Conrad Sangma's ministers

National People&#39;s Party (NPP) chief Conrad Sangma took oath as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/conrad-sangmas-national-peoples-party-members-take-oath-to-form-govt-in-meghalaya-34822">twelfth chief minister of Meghalaya</a> on Tuesday. In the 60-member <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/npps-conrad-sangma-to-be-next-chief-minister-of-meghalaya-says-bjp-34635">Meghalaya Assembly</a> with an effective strength of 59, at least 30 seats is required to form majority. Sangma has the support of 34 MLAs - 19 from his own party NPP, two each from BJP and HSPDP, six from the UDP, four from the PDF and an Independent.

The 40-year-old is the youngest son of former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma, who died in 2016. He was elected a Member of Parliament in a by-election from the Tura constituency after his father&#39;s death.

Sangma took over as the president of National People&#39;s Party after his father&#39;s death.

He pursued his BBA in Entrepreneurial Management and MBA (Finance) from University of Pennsylvania and Imperial College, London. The bespectacled leader has a keen interest in music and likes to play guitar and piano. He has also organised a number of musical events in his home state.

In his free time, Sangma likes to read, spend time with family and listen to music. Travelling is one of his passions.

He is also the president of the Meghalaya Cricket Association and works closely with P A Sangma Foundation which is associated with education sector.

The 40-year-old is the youngest son of former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma, who died in 2016.

National People's Party (NPP) chief Conrad Sangma took oath as twelfth chief minister of Meghalaya on Tuesday. In the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly with an effective strength of 59, at least 30 seats is required to form majority. Sangma has the support of 34 MLAs - 19 from his own party NPP, two each from BJP and HSPDP, six from the UDP, four from the PDF and an Independent. The 40-year-old is the youngest son of former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma, who died in 2016. He was elected a Member of Parliament in a by-election from the Tura constituency after his father's death. Sangma took over as the president of National People's Party after his father's death. He pursued his BBA in Entrepreneurial Management and MBA (Finance) from University of Pennsylvania and Imperial College, London. The bespectacled leader has a keen interest in music and likes to play guitar and piano. He has also organised a number of musical events in his home state. In his free time, Sangma likes to read, spend time with family and listen to music. Travelling is one of his passions. He is also the president of the Meghalaya Cricket Association and works closely with P A Sangma Foundation which is associated with education sector.

Profile of Conrad Sangma, the new Chief Minister of Meghalaya

Two days after results for assembly elections in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland were declared on Saturday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday broke his silence on the party&#39;s defeat and said he respects the mandate of people in the region.

Rahul appreciated the hard work of party workers who helped mount the Congress&#39;s poll campaign in the three states and said he is committed to winning back the trust of the North East people.

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The Congress party respects the mandate of the people of Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya. 
 
We are committed to strengthening our party across the North East and to winning back the trust of the people. 
 
My sincere thanks to each and every Congress worker who toiled for the party.
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Despite emerging the largest single party in Meghalaya with 21 seats, Congress, where it was in power, could not garner the support of regional outfits to cobble together a coalition government.

Meanwhile, NPP which became the single largest second party, received support from BJP and many other regional parties to form a non-Congress government in the state.&nbsp;

Top party leaders Ahmed Patel and Kamal Nath rushed to Shillong to talk to regional parties but to no avail.

The Congress also failed to score a single seat in Tripura and Nagaland.

Rahul also appreciated the hard work of party workers

Two days after results for assembly elections in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland were declared on Saturday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday broke his silence on the party's defeat and said he respects the mandate of people in the region. Rahul appreciated the hard work of party workers who helped mount the Congress's poll campaign in the three states and said he is committed to winning back the trust of the North East people. The Congress party respects the mandate of the people of Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya. We are committed to strengthening our party across the North East and to winning back the trust of the people. My sincere thanks to each and every Congress worker who toiled for the party. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) March 5, 2018 × Despite emerging the largest single party in Meghalaya with 21 seats, Congress, where it was in power, could not garner the support of regional outfits to cobble together a coalition government. Meanwhile, NPP which became the single largest second party, received support from BJP and many other regional parties to form a non-Congress government in the state. Top party leaders Ahmed Patel and Kamal Nath rushed to Shillong to talk to regional parties but to no avail. The Congress also failed to score a single seat in Tripura and Nagaland.

Rahul Gandhi accepts defeat in NE, says Congress respects people's mandate

Assam Finance, Health and Education Minister and Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with regional parties will form the next government in Meghalaya so that a non-Congress government comes to power in the state.

&quot;I am confident that the regional parties and the BJP will form the government in Meghalaya together. The people in Meghalaya have rejected the Congress. We are committed to giving them an alternate form of government and we are moving in that direction only,&quot; Himanta told ANI.

After Meghalaya saw a hung assembly, the BJP on Saturday suggested that the regional parties -- National People&#39;s Party (NPP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) enter into an alliance to form a &quot;non-Congress government&quot; in the state.

Newly elected MLA Shri AL Hek has been declared the Leader of BJP Legislature Party in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, wrote Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Twitter.&nbsp; 
 
Independent candidate Samuel Sangma met BJP&#39;s Himanta Biswa Sarma and extended support to the BJP. Also&nbsp;read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-stakes-claim-to-form-government-in-meghalaya-34582"> Congress stakes claim to form the </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-stakes-claim-to-form-government-in-meghalaya-34582">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-stakes-claim-to-form-government-in-meghalaya-34582"> in Meghalaya</a>. 
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Newly elected MLA Shri A.L. Hek is declared the Leader of BJP Legislature Party in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. <a href="https://t.co/aQ8a4v04ah">pic.twitter.com/aQ8a4v04ah</a>
&mdash; Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/970193411469926400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the UDP -- one of the most important regional parties -- is also holding talks and is likely to call the shots in the elections.

The BJP could only win two seats in the 60-member house. The Congress retained its hold in the state by winning 21 seats, 10 short of the 31 needed for a majority.

The NPP won 19 seats, while other regional parties won 17 seats, implying that even though the Congress has won, it still may not form the government in the state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

After Meghalaya saw a hung assembly, the BJP on Saturday suggested that the regional parties -- National People's Party (NPP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) enter into an alliance to form a 'non-Congress government' in the state.

Assam Finance, Health and Education Minister and Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with regional parties will form the next government in Meghalaya so that a non-Congress government comes to power in the state. "I am confident that the regional parties and the BJP will form the government in Meghalaya together. The people in Meghalaya have rejected the Congress. We are committed to giving them an alternate form of government and we are moving in that direction only," Himanta told ANI. After Meghalaya saw a hung assembly, the BJP on Saturday suggested that the regional parties -- National People's Party (NPP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) enter into an alliance to form a "non-Congress government" in the state. Newly elected MLA Shri AL Hek has been declared the Leader of BJP Legislature Party in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, wrote Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Twitter. Independent candidate Samuel Sangma met BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma and extended support to the BJP. Also read: Congress stakes claim to form the government in Meghalaya. Newly elected MLA Shri A.L. Hek is declared the Leader of BJP Legislature Party in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. pic.twitter.com/aQ8a4v04ah — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 4, 2018 × Meanwhile, the UDP -- one of the most important regional parties -- is also holding talks and is likely to call the shots in the elections. The BJP could only win two seats in the 60-member house. The Congress retained its hold in the state by winning 21 seats, 10 short of the 31 needed for a majority. The NPP won 19 seats, while other regional parties won 17 seats, implying that even though the Congress has won, it still may not form the government in the state. (With inputs from ANI)

BJP says will form next government in Meghalaya

The NPP is all set to form a non-Congress government in Meghalaya with the support of three regional parties, the BJP and one Independent MLA.

Conrad Sangma, the lone NPP Lok Sabha member from Tura constituency, will be sworn in as the Chief Minister on March 6.

Sangma on Sunday met Meghalaya Governor to stake claim to form the next government in the Northeast state.&nbsp;

NPP came out as the second largest party with 19 seats in the recently held elections which threw a hung verdict.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Himanta Biswa Sarma, who earlier in the day extended support to NPP, informed that Conrad Sangma will be the next chief minister of the state.&nbsp;

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Conrad Sangma will be the next chief minister of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a>: Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP <a href="https://t.co/Ou22DLZ8fh">pic.twitter.com/Ou22DLZ8fh</a>
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Sarma also informed that there will be no deputy CM in the new government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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1 MLA out of every 2 MLAs of all the parties will form part of the govt. So 1 MLA, out of the 2, of BJP will be a part of it too: Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a> <a href="https://t.co/moPYMOYE33">pic.twitter.com/moPYMOYE33</a>
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Addressing media after his meeting with the governor, Sangma said the next two-three days are very crucial and promised that everything will be clear by tomorrow.&nbsp;

&quot;Next 2-3 days are very crucial because Assembly term gets over. The House expires on 7th before that everything has to take place and by tomorrow everything will be clear,&quot; he said&nbsp;

&quot;We have submitted a letter of support of 34 legislators to Governor Ganga Prasad and staked claimed to form the new government,&quot; Conrad Sangma told media as he emerged from Raj Bhavan.

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NPP&#39;s Conrad Sangma met <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a> Governor to stake claim to form government. Oath ceremony to take place on 6th March at 10.30 am. <a href="https://t.co/27NaL1UAwV">pic.twitter.com/27NaL1UAwV</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970279022897827840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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When questioned how successful the coalition government will be for the state, Conrad Sangma said &quot;running a coalition government is never easy but I am confident that the MLAs who are with us are very committed to the state and people, will work towards development of the state.&quot;

As per media reports, the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on 6th March at 10.30 am. 
&nbsp; 
Earlier, Congress also staked its claim to form the next government in Meghalaya after senior party leaders met the Meghalaya Governor last night.&nbsp;

Congress emerged as the single largest party with 21 seats in the 60-member assembly.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

NPP came out as the second largest party with 19 seats

The NPP is all set to form a non-Congress government in Meghalaya with the support of three regional parties, the BJP and one Independent MLA. Conrad Sangma, the lone NPP Lok Sabha member from Tura constituency, will be sworn in as the Chief Minister on March 6. Sangma on Sunday met Meghalaya Governor to stake claim to form the next government in the Northeast state. NPP came out as the second largest party with 19 seats in the recently held elections which threw a hung verdict. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Himanta Biswa Sarma, who earlier in the day extended support to NPP, informed that Conrad Sangma will be the next chief minister of the state. Conrad Sangma will be the next chief minister of #Meghalaya: Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP pic.twitter.com/Ou22DLZ8fh — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018 × Sarma also informed that there will be no deputy CM in the new government. 1 MLA out of every 2 MLAs of all the parties will form part of the govt. So 1 MLA, out of the 2, of BJP will be a part of it too: Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP #Meghalaya pic.twitter.com/moPYMOYE33 — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018 × Addressing media after his meeting with the governor, Sangma said the next two-three days are very crucial and promised that everything will be clear by tomorrow. "Next 2-3 days are very crucial because Assembly term gets over. The House expires on 7th before that everything has to take place and by tomorrow everything will be clear," he said "We have submitted a letter of support of 34 legislators to Governor Ganga Prasad and staked claimed to form the new government," Conrad Sangma told media as he emerged from Raj Bhavan. NPP's Conrad Sangma met #Meghalaya Governor to stake claim to form government. Oath ceremony to take place on 6th March at 10.30 am. pic.twitter.com/27NaL1UAwV — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018 × When questioned how successful the coalition government will be for the state, Conrad Sangma said "running a coalition government is never easy but I am confident that the MLAs who are with us are very committed to the state and people, will work towards development of the state." As per media reports, the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on 6th March at 10.30 am. Earlier, Congress also staked its claim to form the next government in Meghalaya after senior party leaders met the Meghalaya Governor last night. Congress emerged as the single largest party with 21 seats in the 60-member assembly.

NPP set to form non-Congress govt in Meghalaya with BJP, Conrad Sangma to be next CM

Assam minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday attacked Congress President Rahul Gandhi for staking claim to form next government in Meghalaya.&nbsp;

Biswa said that without any proper calculations, Rahul sent four senior Congress leaders to Shillong to stake claim to form next government in the state.

&quot;I don&#39;t see maturity in him,&quot; Biswa added. &nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> BJP&#39;s Himanta Biswa Sarma says Rahul Gandhi sent four senior leaders of the party to Shillong without any calculations on government formation. I don&#39;t see maturity in him. <a href="https://t.co/c8TdDewBef">pic.twitter.com/c8TdDewBef</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970299721381240832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The BJP leader, who earlier extended support to NPP, said they have a total of 34 members with them as of now.

He also added that the number is likely to increase.&nbsp;

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1 MLA out of every 2 MLAs of all the parties will form part of the govt. So 1 MLA, out of the 2, of BJP will be a part of it too: Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a> <a href="https://t.co/moPYMOYE33">pic.twitter.com/moPYMOYE33</a>
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NPP&#39;s Conrad Sangma today met Meghalaya Governor to stake claim to form the next government in the Northeast state.

Addressing media after his meeting with the governor, Sangma said the next two-three days are very crucial and promised that everything will be clear by tomorrow.&nbsp;

BJP too supported the decision and declared Sangma as the next chief minister of the Northeast state.&nbsp;

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Conrad Sangma will be the next chief minister of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a>: Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP <a href="https://t.co/Ou22DLZ8fh">pic.twitter.com/Ou22DLZ8fh</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970285004692606977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Biswa stated that there will be no deputy CM in the new government. &nbsp;

In the 60-member assembly, the Congress, which had been in power, bagged 21 seats, the NPP, led by Conrad Sangma, son of late PA Sangma, got 19 seats, the BJP got two seats, the United Democratic Party bagged six seats, the People&#39;s Democratic Front bagged four seats, the Hill State People&#39;s Democratic Party got two seats, the NCP and the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement got one each and independents bagged three seats. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;

Earlier, Congress staked claim to form next government in Meghalaya

Assam minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday attacked Congress President Rahul Gandhi for staking claim to form next government in Meghalaya. Biswa said that without any proper calculations, Rahul sent four senior Congress leaders to Shillong to stake claim to form next government in the state. "I don't see maturity in him," Biswa added. #WATCH BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma says Rahul Gandhi sent four senior leaders of the party to Shillong without any calculations on government formation. I don't see maturity in him. pic.twitter.com/c8TdDewBef — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018 × The BJP leader, who earlier extended support to NPP, said they have a total of 34 members with them as of now. He also added that the number is likely to increase. 1 MLA out of every 2 MLAs of all the parties will form part of the govt. So 1 MLA, out of the 2, of BJP will be a part of it too: Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP #Meghalaya pic.twitter.com/moPYMOYE33 — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018 × NPP's Conrad Sangma today met Meghalaya Governor to stake claim to form the next government in the Northeast state. Addressing media after his meeting with the governor, Sangma said the next two-three days are very crucial and promised that everything will be clear by tomorrow. BJP too supported the decision and declared Sangma as the next chief minister of the Northeast state. Conrad Sangma will be the next chief minister of #Meghalaya: Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP pic.twitter.com/Ou22DLZ8fh — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018 × Biswa stated that there will be no deputy CM in the new government. In the 60-member assembly, the Congress, which had been in power, bagged 21 seats, the NPP, led by Conrad Sangma, son of late PA Sangma, got 19 seats, the BJP got two seats, the United Democratic Party bagged six seats, the People's Democratic Front bagged four seats, the Hill State People's Democratic Party got two seats, the NCP and the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement got one each and independents bagged three seats.

'Don't see maturity in Rahul Gandhi': Himanta Biswa on Congress staking claim to form govt in Meghalaya

The BJP on Saturday asked Congress leader Shashi Tharoor to apologise for comparing the party to a dog.

Shashi Tharoor had said that the Meghalaya&rsquo;s regional National People&#39;s Party (NPP) was allied to the BJP just like &quot;the tail that is wagging along whenever the dog barks.&quot;

&quot;NPP is saying to Meghalaya that they are independent and contesting by themselves everywhere else, but in Meghalaya they are allied to BJP and attaching themselves as the tail that is wagging along whenever the dog barks,&quot; Shashi Tharoor had said in Shillong.

An affronted BJP said it was &quot;shocked&quot; with the language used by Tharoor for political parties.

&quot;We&#39;re shocked with the language used by Shashi Tharoor for political parties in terms of referring to a regional party as the wagging tail of a dog and by implication referring to the BJP literally as a dog. We demand an apology from Shashi Tharoor and the Congress,&quot; said BJP leader Nalin Kohli.

In an indirect reference to Rahul Gandhi, the BJP leader said, &quot;Shashi Tharoor&#39;s political master may have special affinity for certain pet dog Pidi (Rahul Gandhi&#39;s pet dog) may also prefer spending time feeding Pidi than attending to senior political functionaries. It doesn&#39;t mean you&#39;ll reduce political parties to be referred to as dog and insult voters.&quot;

BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav called the remarks &quot;indecent&quot;. 
&nbsp;

An affronted BJP said it was 'shocked' with the language used by Shashi Tharoor for political parties

The BJP on Saturday asked Congress leader Shashi Tharoor to apologise for comparing the party to a dog. Shashi Tharoor had said that the Meghalaya’s regional National People's Party (NPP) was allied to the BJP just like "the tail that is wagging along whenever the dog barks." "NPP is saying to Meghalaya that they are independent and contesting by themselves everywhere else, but in Meghalaya they are allied to BJP and attaching themselves as the tail that is wagging along whenever the dog barks," Shashi Tharoor had said in Shillong. An affronted BJP said it was "shocked" with the language used by Tharoor for political parties. "We're shocked with the language used by Shashi Tharoor for political parties in terms of referring to a regional party as the wagging tail of a dog and by implication referring to the BJP literally as a dog. We demand an apology from Shashi Tharoor and the Congress," said BJP leader Nalin Kohli. In an indirect reference to Rahul Gandhi, the BJP leader said, "Shashi Tharoor's political master may have special affinity for certain pet dog Pidi (Rahul Gandhi's pet dog) may also prefer spending time feeding Pidi than attending to senior political functionaries. It doesn't mean you'll reduce political parties to be referred to as dog and insult voters." BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav called the remarks "indecent".

BJP asks Shashi Tharoor to apologise for comparing party to dog

As part of an effort to protect and restore American jobs, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Tuesday vowed to force Canada and Mexico to re-negotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) pact with the United States (US), if elected.&nbsp; 
 
Criticising the free trade agreement as a &lsquo;US job killer&rsquo;, Trump said he would be willing to scrap the pact if Canada and Mexico were unwilling to budge. He also tried to link Democratic rival Hillary Clinton to the deal on the eve of a meeting in Ottawa of the &quot;three amigos,&quot; the leaders of the three NAFTA signatories: the United States, Mexico and Canada. 
 
Trump trying to cash in on voter anxiety?&nbsp; 
 
In his most detailed speech on trade, the presumptive Republican nominee said he would pull the United States out of negotiations for a deal among 12 Pacific Rim nations and promised to use executive power to resolve trade disputes with China. 
 
Trump also pledged to revive the US steel and aluminium industry, speaking at an aluminium scrap company in Monessen, Pennsylvania, nearly 30 miles (50 km) south of Pittsburgh, the one-time American steelmaking capital. 
 
Trump has identified Pennsylvania as a state he believes he can wrest from the Democrats in the November 8 election. He also campaigned on Tuesday in Ohio which like Pennsylvania is a Rust Belt state. 
 
Democratic President Barack Obama won both states in 2008 and 2012, but manufacturing job losses have led to voter anxiety in the region. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m going to tell our NAFTA partners that I intend to immediately re-negotiate the terms of that agreement to get a better deal for our workers. And I don&#39;t mean just a little bit better, I mean a lot better,&quot; Trump said in Pennsylvania. 
 
If Canada and Mexico do not agree to re-negotiate the pact, Trump said he would notify them under the agreement&#39;s terms &quot;that America intends to withdraw from the deal.&quot; 
 
He tried to tie his Democratic rival to the pact, approved in 1993 during the administration of her husband, President Bill Clinton, as he called NAFTA one of the &quot;worst legacies&quot; of the Clinton years. 
 
On MSNBC after Trump&#39;s speech, Clinton spokeswoman Kristina Schake called the wealthy New York businessman the &quot;king of outsourcing&quot;, in an apparent reference to Trump-branded products such as suits and ties made overseas. 
 
&quot;It was full of hypocrisy and misstatements and outright lies,&quot; Schake said. 
 
Trade has been a vulnerability for Clinton, who struggled for white, blue-collar votes in her Democratic primary race against US Senator Bernie Sanders, who criticised her for supporting trade deals and said she was too close to Wall Street. 
 
Trump dubs Trans-Pacific Partnership as &ldquo;death-blow&rdquo; for American manufacturing&nbsp; 
 
Echoing Sanders&#39; criticism on Tuesday, Trump stressed Clinton supported the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, while she was secretary of state and only opposed it once she was running for president. Clinton&#39;s campaign, however, said she opposed the agreement because it was not strong enough on currency manipulation and other areas. 
 
It may also be pertinent to note Clinton has said she will evaluate each trade deal on its merits, but does not believe the TPP is good for US workers. Sanders now says he will vote for Clinton in November even though he has not formally withdrawn from the race. 
 
Trump, however, commented he saw no way to fix the TPP, calling it a &quot;death blow&quot; for American manufacturing. Although China is not part of the agreement, Trump said Beijing might try to enter it &quot;through the back door&quot; later on.&nbsp;Later, during a rally in St. Clairsville, Ohio, Trump said the deal was &quot;just a continuing rape of our country.&quot; 
 
Just hours before Trump spoke, Clinton allies sought to pre-empt the planned trade speech by saying Trump&#39;s policies amounted to empty promises. 
 
Earlier, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka told a trade conference in Washington that &quot;Trump embodies everything that is wrong with our current trade policy. He has consistently sent American jobs overseas to line his own pockets.&quot; 
 
The AFL-CIO, which collectively represents more than 12 million workers, making it the largest U.S. labour federation, endorsed Clinton this month. 
 
Brexit vote could reverberate in US elections&nbsp; 
 
Both Clinton and Trump have acknowledged that Britain&#39;s vote to leave the European Union signalled a global economic frustration among working-class voters that could reverberate in the US election. 
 
&quot;There is a lot of legitimate anxiety, fear and even anger in many parts of our country because people feel like the economy has failed them,&quot; Clinton said in Denver on Tuesday. &quot;I think this is going to be one of the defining issues in this election.&quot; 
 
Trump has seized on the historic Brexit vote to bolster his argument that voters are rising up against establishment leaders, saying Americans would reject the &quot;global elite&quot; and support his presidential candidacy. 
 
But Trump has broken with Republican Party orthodoxy in criticising trade deals and has threatened to slap tariffs on Mexican and Chinese imports. His rhetoric has drawn criticism from many economists who say such practices could spark trade wars. 
 
As Trump spoke, the United States Chamber of Commerce, which is usually in sync with prominent Republicans on trade policy, said on Twitter: &quot;Under Trump&#39;s trade plans, we would see higher prices, fewer jobs, and a weaker economy.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

Under Trump's trade plans, we will see higher prices, fewer jobs, and a weaker economy: US Chamber of Commerce

As part of an effort to protect and restore American jobs, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Tuesday vowed to force Canada and Mexico to re-negotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) pact with the United States (US), if elected. Criticising the free trade agreement as a ‘US job killer’, Trump said he would be willing to scrap the pact if Canada and Mexico were unwilling to budge. He also tried to link Democratic rival Hillary Clinton to the deal on the eve of a meeting in Ottawa of the "three amigos," the leaders of the three NAFTA signatories: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Trump trying to cash in on voter anxiety? In his most detailed speech on trade, the presumptive Republican nominee said he would pull the United States out of negotiations for a deal among 12 Pacific Rim nations and promised to use executive power to resolve trade disputes with China. Trump also pledged to revive the US steel and aluminium industry, speaking at an aluminium scrap company in Monessen, Pennsylvania, nearly 30 miles (50 km) south of Pittsburgh, the one-time American steelmaking capital. Trump has identified Pennsylvania as a state he believes he can wrest from the Democrats in the November 8 election. He also campaigned on Tuesday in Ohio which like Pennsylvania is a Rust Belt state. Democratic President Barack Obama won both states in 2008 and 2012, but manufacturing job losses have led to voter anxiety in the region. "I'm going to tell our NAFTA partners that I intend to immediately re-negotiate the terms of that agreement to get a better deal for our workers. And I don't mean just a little bit better, I mean a lot better," Trump said in Pennsylvania. If Canada and Mexico do not agree to re-negotiate the pact, Trump said he would notify them under the agreement's terms "that America intends to withdraw from the deal." He tried to tie his Democratic rival to the pact, approved in 1993 during the administration of her husband, President Bill Clinton, as he called NAFTA one of the "worst legacies" of the Clinton years. On MSNBC after Trump's speech, Clinton spokeswoman Kristina Schake called the wealthy New York businessman the "king of outsourcing", in an apparent reference to Trump-branded products such as suits and ties made overseas. "It was full of hypocrisy and misstatements and outright lies," Schake said. Trade has been a vulnerability for Clinton, who struggled for white, blue-collar votes in her Democratic primary race against US Senator Bernie Sanders, who criticised her for supporting trade deals and said she was too close to Wall Street. Trump dubs Trans-Pacific Partnership as “death-blow” for American manufacturing Echoing Sanders' criticism on Tuesday, Trump stressed Clinton supported the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, while she was secretary of state and only opposed it once she was running for president. Clinton's campaign, however, said she opposed the agreement because it was not strong enough on currency manipulation and other areas. It may also be pertinent to note Clinton has said she will evaluate each trade deal on its merits, but does not believe the TPP is good for US workers. Sanders now says he will vote for Clinton in November even though he has not formally withdrawn from the race. Trump, however, commented he saw no way to fix the TPP, calling it a "death blow" for American manufacturing. Although China is not part of the agreement, Trump said Beijing might try to enter it "through the back door" later on. Later, during a rally in St. Clairsville, Ohio, Trump said the deal was "just a continuing rape of our country." Just hours before Trump spoke, Clinton allies sought to pre-empt the planned trade speech by saying Trump's policies amounted to empty promises. Earlier, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka told a trade conference in Washington that "Trump embodies everything that is wrong with our current trade policy. He has consistently sent American jobs overseas to line his own pockets." The AFL-CIO, which collectively represents more than 12 million workers, making it the largest U.S. labour federation, endorsed Clinton this month. Brexit vote could reverberate in US elections Both Clinton and Trump have acknowledged that Britain's vote to leave the European Union signalled a global economic frustration among working-class voters that could reverberate in the US election. "There is a lot of legitimate anxiety, fear and even anger in many parts of our country because people feel like the economy has failed them," Clinton said in Denver on Tuesday. "I think this is going to be one of the defining issues in this election." Trump has seized on the historic Brexit vote to bolster his argument that voters are rising up against establishment leaders, saying Americans would reject the "global elite" and support his presidential candidacy. But Trump has broken with Republican Party orthodoxy in criticising trade deals and has threatened to slap tariffs on Mexican and Chinese imports. His rhetoric has drawn criticism from many economists who say such practices could spark trade wars. As Trump spoke, the United States Chamber of Commerce, which is usually in sync with prominent Republicans on trade policy, said on Twitter: "Under Trump's trade plans, we would see higher prices, fewer jobs, and a weaker economy." (Reuters)

Trump labels NAFTA 'worst legacy of Clinton years?, vows re-negotiation

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