Kharlukhi’s decision has drawn attention as a former leader of the ruling NPP has publicly extended support to the state Congress chief. In a significant political development ahead of the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, former National People’s Party (NPP) state president and former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Kharlukhi has declared his support for Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee president Vincent H. Pala, the Congress candidate for the seat.