Shillong, May 7: DRL Nonglait, president of the Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) and a professor at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), has formally accepted the National People’s Party (NPP) offer to contest the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election on the party’s ticket.
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| DRL Nonglait, president of the Khasi Authors’ Society and NEHU professor, who has accepted the NPP offer to contest the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election. (File Photo) |
In a letter addressed to the NPP leadership on Wednesday, Nonglait expressed gratitude to the party for placing its faith and confidence in him by offering him the opportunity to contest the 2026 parliamentary by-election.
“After careful consideration, I am pleased to formally accept the proposal,” Nonglait stated in the letter.
He further assured the party that he would abide by its principles, vision and collective decisions while working for the welfare and development of the people, the state and the country.
Nonglait also sought the guidance and support of the party leadership, workers and supporters in carrying forward the responsibility with dedication and sincerity.
The noted academician is widely known for his role in advocating official recognition of the Khasi language and its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. He has also consistently pushed for the introduction of Khasi as a medium of instruction and examination up to the degree level.
Apart from his academic work, Nonglait has authored several books and research papers on social and cultural issues concerning Meghalaya.
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The by-election to the Shillong Lok Sabha seat was necessitated following the demise of sitting MP Ricky AJ Syngkon, who reportedly collapsed while playing futsal in Shillong on February 19 this year.
Although the NPP is yet to formally announce Nonglait as its official candidate, party leaders had earlier indicated that a decision would be made shortly.
Political observers believe Nonglait’s candidature reflects the growing influence of academicians in Meghalaya politics, especially after the electoral success of former NEHU professor Ricky AJ Syngkon in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has also fielded another academic, Batskhem Myrboh, for the upcoming by-election.
