Editor,
The people of the 15-Mawlai constituency have delivered their verdict in the recent assembly election. It was not the money power nor the hollow promises nor the muddied campaign at defaming the image of the candidate that guided the electoral members of the biggest constituency of the state. It was the policy of ‘Perform or Perish’. For the last five years, the people have not seen much development in this semi-urban constituency and so a change was needed.
The victory of Mr. Embhahlang Syiemlieh over a ‘Strong’ contender is seen as a victory of the people for change. The candidate of the United Democratic Party (UDP), with intellectual credentials widely recognized to be impeccable was in the comfort zone from start to finish. His win sounded the voice of the people of Mawlai that ‘enough is enough, we need a change’.
A fine man for the job, Mr. Syiemlieh has cast himself as a unifying force capable of seeing the constituency’s woes from the semi-urban areas and those at the outskirts alike. The wish of the residents of Mawlai is that the new man delivers what he promised before the election. As for the people, we should have the mentality of ‘asking not what the constituency can do for us but what we can do for the constituency.”
Yours etc.,
Bivan R. Mukhim
Shillong -8
On DC’s response
Editor
I agree with James Pariat (ST Feb 26,2013) for reminding the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Mr Pravin Bakshi that he is a public servant and as such he is answerable to the public and ipso facto he is not supposed to be harsh and arrogant just because of the high profile job he holds. Public servants are expected to be benevolent above all else. There is a saying in Garo that even a blade of grass does not move without the wind. Therefore when such criticisms arise the DC has to acknowledge that something is amiss. Such a furore would not have happened without valid reasons. I agree with James Pariat that the DC should have introspected on his own actions instead of lashing out at his critics. But to be fair, the DC is not the only high-handed official. The Additional District Magistrates (ADMs) are to be equally blamed for behaving like dictators during the run-up to the assembly elections. MCS and IAS tags do not give people the right to lord over others.
Yours etc.,
MM Sangma
Tura-1
Violating election code of conduct
Editor,
Recently the District Selection Office (DSC) South Garo Hills District appointed one JP Marak as the Gram Sevak of Rongara Development Block and also a fourth grade staff (peon) in the office of the Deputy Commissioner after the elections were announced. As per the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct, no appointments can be made or promotions given once the election is announced. Hence we would like to know if the DSC Secretary was right in appointing candidates after the Model Code of Conduct had come into effect? Further enquiry reveals that the DSC Secretary is also in charge of appointing candidates. Why was there so much haste in appointment? Was it done at the behest of a contesting candidate? We request the Election Commission of India and its officials in the Secretariat to conduct a thorough enquiry on this and take necessary action.
Yours etc.,
Matgrik M Marak &
Balsreng D Arengh,
Baghmara