Mowkaiaw: Reaffirming that Trinamool Congress (TMC) will sweep the assembly polls in Meghalaya, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma on Saturday said the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) is rattled and is using money to manipulate the assembly elections, which are scheduled to be held on February 27.
“In Garo Hills, of 24 seats, we are already ahead in 18 seats. They are so afraid that they are spending money left, right, and center. Similarly, in Khasi and Jaintia Hills, out of nervousness, people are throwing money. All this money has not come from heaven. This is the people’s money, which they are using now,” Sangma said.
Urging the people of Mowkaiaw to extend their unanimous support, the former Chief Minister said, “Our fight is against the power and authority, that wants to take away our land, our freedom, and our faith. TMC is the only weapon in our democracy that can fight against the incumbent authorities, while NPP, BJP, UDP (United Democratic Party), and all other parties are partners in their agenda.”
Drumming up support for his party candidate from the Mowkaiaw Assembly constituency, Lasting Suchiang, the veteran Congress leader-turned TMC leader said, “Our candidate is the son of the soil. When he expressed his desire to serve the people, I asked him the reason. He said that he wants to provide a better quality of education and improved access to healthcare. He wants to deliver sustainable development and livelihood to his brothers and sisters in the constituency.
“Our leader took the bold decision to leave his job and serve the people of the constituency.”
Launching a scathing attack at the Conrad Sangma-led MDA government for squashing the aspirations of the youth of the state, Sangma said, “In the last five years, we have witnessed a government that has surrendered our rights to Assam. They have systematically decimated the people-centric initiatives of the earlier government.”
“They have betrayed the youth who have been looking forward to the available vacancies. Small-scale entrepreneurs and business owners lament that all businesses are grabbed by the people in power. Let us restore our past glory. Let us prevent the greedy politicians from transforming Meghalaya into a gamblers’ den,” he asserted.
Ripping apart the ruling NPP-led government for being insensitive towards the struggles and issues of the citizens, the Leader of Opposition said, “In the last five years, this government has not only neglected but has constantly given agonies to senior citizens, single mothers, farmers, etc. They did not increase the daily allowance of the employees as they were reluctant to provide money to the people.”
Recalling that during his tenure as Chief Minister, Sangma said that he had revised the salaries of the employees twice.
“For the old, infirm, and single mothers, a monthly pension of Rs. 500 was initiated. The incumbent government is insensitive and uncaring, yet they dare to come and ask for your votes,” he said.
Urging the people of Meghalaya to come together in the fight against the powers that heckle the voices of dissent, Sangma said, “Let us form a government that will defend the rights of our people, including our freedom of religion, as we see the incidents across the country, including in Assam. Our fight is not against any specific candidates.”
