Shillong, July 22: The National People’s Party (NPP-led MDA government’s stability and focus on governance – rather than rift over power – have led Meghalaya on the path of development in the last eight years, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Wednesday night.
He was campaigning for NPP’s Shillong Lok Sabha bye-election candidate Dr DRL Nonglait at Ummulong in West Jaintia Hills district.
The NPP-led government has been able to deliver because its 32-33 MLAs have worked together without a leadership crisis, Dhar said.
“Even with 32-33 MLAs, we have never had internal fights. We don’t have time to fight for power because we are busy working for our people,” he said.
He contrasted this with past governments where, he alleged, chief ministers were changed every 7 to 8 months.
“That is why we have unity and good relations, and that is why we have been able to take the state to a different level,” he added.
Dhar defended the government against opposition criticism over borrowing, saying all loans are taken within limits set by the Union Finance Ministry and in accordance with rules and guidelines.
“In 2018, the state budget was only Rs 9,000 crore. Today it is Rs 30,000 crore. The reason is that we have leaders who work hard,” he said.
He cited the Union Finance Minister’s recent clarification that Meghalaya’s debt is “very much within the limits” and noted that several loans announced by the Chief Minister are to be repaid by the Government of India.
“It does not mean that just because you are in power you can do whatever you like. Everything we do is as per rules and regulations,” he said.
Dhar highlighted Rs 10,000 crore spent on roads — Rs 4,600 crore to repair 3,400 km and Rs 5,000 crore for 600 km of new roads.
He also said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had assured an additional Rs 39,000 crore for Meghalaya, and that PM Modi would soon lay the foundation for a Rs 21,000-crore, 166-km four-lane Greenfield road from Umroi to Ratacherra.
The Deputy CM also hit out at opposition parties for repeatedly alleging corruption without providing proof.
“I feel sorry for these other political parties that keep shouting ‘corruption, corruption’ every day. If you feel that way, give proof. But innocent people are being misled by such allegations,” he said.
He urged the people of Jaintia Hills to support Dr Nonglait in the Shillong Lok Sabha bye-lection, saying the NPP-led government’s track record of stability and development deserved continued backing.
