By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: A fully functional vigilance commission to check corruption, measures to address environment degradation and transparent distribution of MLA fund are some of promises the National People’s Party (NPP) has made in its election manifesto which was released on Monday.
Releasing the manifesto, the NPP leader Conrad Sangma said, “Corruption is rampant in the state, if voted to power the NPP will appoint a Lokayukta to ensure a fully functional vigilance commission.”
“We vowed to provide a stable government in Meghalaya which is having the dubious distinction of being one of the most politically unstable states in the country”, Conrad said.
The manifesto also touched all major areas of concern in the State including education, health , agriculture migration, environmental issues besides different developmental programmes. “We have tried to address all issues that are there,” he maintained.
Besides these, the NPP will also focus on issues pertaining to women stating that it will frame a comprehensive policy for development of women in the state and as far as industry is concerned, they will focus on promoting cottage, household and small scale industries, re-prioritize the industrial policy to suit local interests besides streamlining the functioning of the single window agency of the state.
“Observing the political climate in the last five years, the NPP is committed to providing a stable government, strong leadership, transparency, inclusiveness and collaboration which are also the need of the hour”, the manifesto stated.
Conrad confident: Later addressing newsmen, Conrad claimed that his party would get the maximum number of seats in February 23 elections.
“Like Congress, which is claiming that it will get absolute majority, I am also claiming that NPP will be able to form the next government.”
The NPP leader maintained that as far as Garo Hills is concerned, the position of Congress was feeble and the NPP’s real tussle would be with the independent candidates.
Hinting at a post-poll alliance with likeminded parties to prevent the ruling Congress from retaining power, Conrad said “No party is going to get an absolute majority in this election and Meghalaya is set to continue with its age-old coalition politics in the forthcoming elections too”, while admitting that they have already come to an understanding with some likeminded parties for forming the next government.
The NPP leader also blamed the Congress for creating the political instability while recalling how the NCP-UDP-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) government was dislodged by Congress in 2009 and the infighting in the Congress which led to the change of guards in the state.
“We have learnt from the past (how to ensure stable government) and we will rectify all those mistakes to ensure that the new coalition government will ensure political stability in Meghalaya,” he stated.
Sangma, however, stated that he cannot underestimate the plan of actions adopted by the Congress stating that they can do anything in the last minute. “But we are fully prepared and we are sure that as far as Garo Hills is concerned our party will come out with flying colours”, he added.
The NPP has decided to field 33 candidates.