Shillong, Feb 17 (IANS) Ruling National People’s Party (NPP) President and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday said that people living along the India-Bangladesh border face numerous difficulties, and only a capable leader would be able to address their problems effectively.
Meghalaya’s several hundred villages in seven districts fall along the 443 km India-Bangladesh border with the northeastern state.
Sangma said that the upcoming elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) provide an opportunity for the people of these areas to elect a leader who would serve as their voice and bridge the gap between them and the government.
“The elected members of the councils would not only represent them in these councils but would also connect the people of the areas with the government,” the chief minister said while addressing an election campaign for the KHADC at Dalia, about 95 km from Shillong.
Urging people to vote for NPP candidate Ethan Kharpuri after listening to the issues raised by various speakers during the meeting, the chief minister said: “To resolve these problems, we need a good leader, one who understands our difficulties and is capable of addressing them. Let us make use of the KHADC election to elect our party candidate.”
Hectic campaigning is on for the election of members of the KHADC and JHADC in the state scheduled on February 21.
The counting of votes is scheduled for February 24.
Sangma also reminded the electorate of his earlier promise to connect Shella with Sohra through an all-weather road, which has now been completed.
“NPP believes in inclusive development. We have made a commitment to the people of this state to initiate welfare programmes and ensure the holistic development of all communities. The growth of the state depends on the well-being of its people. We believe in our people and are dedicated to addressing their issues, whether in education, healthcare, or infrastructure development. Our party prioritises initiatives aimed at improving the lives of farmers and creating opportunities for the youth and women. We are committed to the development of Meghalaya as a whole,” he added.
Speaking on the challenges faced in obtaining voter identity cards, particularly in border areas, he stated that the NPP government has resolved the issue. “We believe that our people, wherever they reside, should have access to the rights and privileges of this country.”
“Do not be afraid of those political parties who speak against us. We are in the ruling government, and after the election, all parties will rely on the NPP to resolve their concerns. Respond to them with your votes and let them know that we are not intimidated by their statements,” the chief minister said.
Sangma said after 50 years, NPP has made history once again, currently we have 32 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly and forming a full-majority government.
“We do not need the support of other political parties, but we remain committed to our coalition partners. A true leader never abandons their people,” he underscored. With two MLAs, BJP is one of the allies of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government led by Chief Minister Sangma.
–IANS
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