The NPP maintained that it was the only political party from the region to have made “a robust, decisive assertion at the highest levels of the Union Government” on the issue. It said Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP National President Conrad K. Sangma had consistently led efforts to seek safeguards against provisions in the proposed legislation. The NPP said Shah gave the delegation “a patient hearing” and assured them that extensive stakeholder consultations would be undertaken before any decision. Criticising the reports, the NPP said it was “deeply disappointed” that media outlets had given space to “entirely unverified, politically motivated information.” It alleged that while rival parties were using the issue for political posturing, the NPP preferred “constructive, high-level engagement” rather than “empty rhetoric or performative shouting.”