By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The common platform for the candidates of Shillong West Constituency on Saturday witnessed an exchange of comments and promises by the three candidates who are contesting the February 23 polls.
The candidates who took part included UDP candidate Paul Lyngdoh, Congress candidate Mahindro Rapsang and independent candidate Donaldson Shangpru who assured the people for a brighter future if voted to power in the coming elections.
Lashing out on the other party’s ideologies and functioning, the candidate went all out in convincing the people of their party’s or individual capabilities in addressing the problems faced by the people while promising for a bright future.
UDP candidate Paul Lyngdoh said this time, his fight is not against any candidate but it is more targeted towards the rich businessmen under the leadership of Dr Mukul Sangma. “Even the president of the MPCC, DD Lapang himself has criticized the increase in the number of rich businessmen in the assembly elections in this state”, Lyngdoh asserted.
Further, Lyngdoh said that the same Congress leader has stated that the businessmen joined the fray with a motive to make the assembly a common coal trading platform. “He even admitted that in his 40 years as a politician, there were some MLAs who can’t even raise a voice in the assembly”, he added.
Coming down heavily on Dr Mukul Sangma, Lyngdoh said “Dr Sangma is trying to woo voters in this constituency because he can still see that there are leaders from the UDP who can lead the party forward”, he said while adding that it would a great achievement for the Congress if this time, they managed to defeat him, a sitting MLA.
Expressed concern over power of money to buy off the right of the voters, Lyngdoh said “To become an MLA, it doesn’t only mean implementation of the MLA scheme but rather to fight for and defend the rights of the public
While stating that the people have the right to choose another person in his stead if they think that person can do better than him, Lyngdoh called upon the people to think twice before they chose their representative for their own benefit and for a better and secure future of their children.
Meanwhile, a hurried congress candidate Mahindro Rapsang who was the first speaker addressed the gathering just for 5 minutes and left the venue while citing his reasons saying that he rather show his deeds to the public rather than blabbering infront of them.
In his short speech, he said that there are still so many households in the constituency which are still backward and needs help and support. “In my two years of service to the public, I have found out that there are so many poor families and contest in this election with a motive to drive away poverty form this constituency”, he said.
This short speech and hurried behavior of Raspang was however criticized by Paul Lyngdoh who said that in the assembly, the MLA often fights to get time to express their views and opinions of their people not run away or shy away from their duties.
On the other hand, independent candidate Donaldson Shangpru said that the people should not blame the MLAs if they don’t do anything. “Don’t say this MLA is good or the other is bad after elections. Stand up and contest, you are the cure to this”, he added.