Shillong, Feb 12: Hitting back at the Opposition ahead of the ensuing autonomous district council (ADC) elections, deputy chief minister and NPP state president Prestone Tynsong has asked the former to find out where from the government has “looted” ₹38,000 crore to initiate development work in the state.
Speaking at an election rally at Umthli under Langkyrdem-Laitkroh constituency in East Khasi Hills, Tynsong said, “They have been throwing all sorts of allegations against Prestone and against Conrad, but I would like to advise them to also allege from where the NPP, Prestone and Conrad have looted to bring so much development to Meghalaya. They should find out from where we get crores of rupees for the development of the state.”
According to Tynsong, the NPP-led government since it first term in 2018 has brought in ₹38,000 crore to ensure all round development of the state.
“However, it is sad to see that the manifesto of other political parties, especially the newly floated party (VPP), are aimed only at attacking the good works of this government,” he said while campaigning for the NPP candidate for KHADC Rahboklang Tynsong late Monday evening.
He also assured that NPP would take necessary steps to further strengthen the ADCs and empower the traditional chiefs and traditional institutions, if voted back to power in the ADC elections to be held on February 21.
He also termed unfortunate an alleged threat to file FIR against traditional heads, saying, “Even ECI gives due recognition to the dorbar shnong during election times.”
Accusing some political parties of trying to “dilute the matrilineal system” by encouraging people to take their father’s surnames, he said, “I urge the people not to allow any attempt to dilute our rich culture and tradition.”
Pointing out the Land Act passed by NPP-led EC in KHADC, he said the party wants to further strengthen the Act to protect the land rights of indigenous people.
He also referred to the political stability provided by the party, bringing an end to toppling games that the state had witnessed before 2018.
“There is no infighting within the NPP family unlike the other parties particularly the newly floated party,” he said.
Tynsong, meanwhile, criticised the trend of mushrooming of regional parties, saying this will only further divide the jaitbynriew that they vouch to protect and unite.
Further, he announced that the government has assured government jobs for three athletes, who have won medals and brought laurels to the state in the 38th National Games.
He also emphasised on the government’s efforts to strengthening women SHGs, number of which has phenomenally increased from 5,000 to 50,000 in the past seven years.
