Shillong, Feb 18: Cautioning the public to be wary of those stoking the flames of hatred in an attempt to garner votes and support, the National People’s Party (NPP) chief and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today appealed to voters to reject parties attempting to communalize the upcoming Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) elections, scheduled for February 21.
Addressing an election rally of his NPP party at Dangar under the Mawsynram constituency in East Khasi Hills, Sangma emphasized the importance of unity and development over divisive politics.
“The upcoming election is an opportunity to give a befitting response to parties that are trying to divide our people,” Sangma declared. “We should reject and vote out parties that are trying to divide our people. We have to be strong against divisive politics and vote out parties that are trying to create rifts.”
Sangma underscored the constitutional right of every citizen to vote and assured that there is no intention to disenfranchise any indigenous people or minority tribes in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills council elections. He campaigned vigorously across Cherrakata, Pataghat, and Mawsynram, rallying support for the NPP’s candidate, Alvin Sawkmie.
Highlighting the NPP’s track record, Sangma reminded voters of the promises fulfilled since the 2019 KHADC election, particularly in the India-Bangladesh border region of Meghalaya. “We have identified the problems faced by our people living in the border area and have initiated interventions to ensure development and promote their welfare,” he said. “People living in the border area have been neglected for a long time, but we have fulfilled our assurance to construct the Balat-Dangar-Ryngku road, which was promised during the 2019 KHADC election.”
The Chief Minister also detailed ongoing development projects, including the 50-crore road project and the 100-crore-plus Weloi-Mawsynram road, funded by the World Bank. “The opposition may say anything, but they never made the road and the bridge in this region.” Sangma asserted. “The NPP has ensured the construction of the road, and the bridge at Khasipara is being redesigned and will be completed soon.”
Sangma urged voters to reaffirm their faith in the NPP, recalling the party’s commitment to development since the 2019 elections. He acknowledged the historical neglect of the India-Bangladesh border region and stressed the need for capable leadership to address longstanding issues. “I have campaigned in the border area during this election, and people are united with the NPP,” he said. “They are committed to working and strengthening the NPP to further development in Meghalaya.”
The Chief Minister concluded by seeking a mandate for the NPP to continue its development initiatives across the state. “I seek your support to elect our MDC, who can be a channel to bring development to this area,” he said. “We have to continue our relationship with the government and continue to support the government, so that we can serve the state.”
Assuring unwavering commitment to the people for their progress and development, the chief minister promised to stand by them saying, “Meghalaya continues on its path of growth and prosperity with your support.”
