ST: You got elected as an M.L.A belying all prophesy. Some think that you are the power behind the throne even though your Chief Minister husband is known as strong man in Garo Hills politics. What made you jump into this much bigger fray?
Dikkanchi: We are at a critical juncture in the history of this country and our state. The country is being targeted by communal and divisive forces and we need to stand strong against these tendencies particularly in minority dominated states such as ours. The state also is breaking free from years of neglect and underdevelopment. This process needs to be strengthened so I felt I need to channel my effort to this.
ST: And if you were a Cabinet Minister would you have contested the polls?
Dikkanchi: It is a hypothetical question. I am contesting as Lok Sabha candidate at this juncture to represent the people of Garo Hills in the Parliament to give a voice and sense of protection for them.
ST: You know that Purno had a huge following in Tura Lok Sabha constituency. He never lost this seat even when your party was in power both in the state and in the centre. Now your party is not in power at the Centre and not in earlier position in the state either. How you think you will win?
Dikkanchi: The current reality is that people of Tura (Garo Hills) are looking for a leader who will provide all round development of the people the region. The congress party is the only party which has the agenda of inclusive development. This is very important in context of the communal agenda of the BJP and NDA and my rival is part of that grouping. The Government at the Centre has been increasingly creating a sense of fear among the people by dividing them on the lines of religion and caste. The people of Garo Hills need a right representative and right party that would stand for everyone and provide sensitive support needed for the weaker sections especially the minorities at this critical juncture.
ST: You and your entire family were there during Punro’s last journey. I have seen you in teary eyes many times in Purno’s New Delhi House. Do you think the seat should have been left uncontested as your challenger Conard is demanding?
Dikkanchi: This is not a personal fight. The party decides such matters. The is an election to the to the Lok Sabha so I am sure the people of Tura would like to think whether they want to support the BJP led NDA’s communal alliance which is harming the development of the country in general and North East in particular. The fundamental rights of dalits, minorities especially of Christians and Muslims and the poor are being snatched away by this alliance. It is very obvious and we have seen this in Dadri lynching and Rohit Vemula case in Hyderabad Central University. I also want to highlight the manner in which through the election commission they blocked the transfer of wages in the MGNREGS programme. This is poor people’s money and VECs made lot of effort in doing these works. It is like taking away the food from your own plate. This is the kind of anti-people mind-set they can take to serve their self interest.
ST: Your comments on NPP-BJP tie up has been taken as violation of model code of conduct by your opponents. Your comments?
Dikkanchi: It is before the EC and I would not like to comment except for the fact that the allegations are baseless.
ST: Now it seems all regional parties besides BJP have extended their support to Conrad. How it will affect your prospects?
Dikkanchi: As you are aware NPP is a very weakened force and with the sad demise of Purno, it is weakened further, however to keep themselves afloat they have hung onto the coat tails of the BJP. As I have already stated it is very sad that my rival has accepted the support of the BJP with its divisive and communal agenda. I think it will help my prospects because people will see through their designs.
ST: Being the Chief Minster and hailing from Garo Hills, Mukul Sangma has declared that he is doing his best for the state including the Garo Hills? What more you can do if you are elected as an MP. ? Do you have any vision plan for Tura?
Dikkanchi: I think a lot is being done but we will and want to do more. I would like to develop Tura town itself as a Smart City with integrated planning for housing, urban infrastructure, roads.
This would be done with an ecological friendly vision along with the modern digital infrastructure. I would also like to see that the schemes of the Government are implemented more efficiently focusing on the women and youth empowerment and employment.
ST: Congress party seems to remain divided everywhere more so in politically troubled Meghalaya. Do you think you have full support from all sections of the party?
Dikkanchi: Yes I am sure of that. Our party is truly a democratic party where everyone gets a space to articulate their perspective to contribute towards the inclusive development agenda. The idea of India has this fundamental philosophy of respecting everyone’s voice.
ST: Law and order situation in the Garo Hills will be one of the main campaign subject in this by-elections with your party in power in the state. How are you going to deflate that charges?
Dikkanchi: You can see from the recent surrenders that the GNLA is losing its strength. The government has been very firm in dealing with this menace and the operations in Garo hills are yielding results. The situation on the ground has improved significantly and the Chief Minister, the state administration and the police have committed to bring the menace of terrorism to an end to bring complete peace in the Garo Hills region.
ST: Congress has lost in the Autonomous District Council polls which are considered as a run up to any Assembly or Parliament elections very badly in recent months. How do you think you will make up that loss and make a turn around?
Dikkanchi: Different factors play roles in different elections. This is a Lok Sabha election to the parliament so I would like the people to focus on the issues related to that and support the unifying inclusive development oriented agenda of my government and the Congress party. Tomorrow the BJP will ask our people not to eat beef, not to eat pork or to wear the dress in a certain way or to shout their loyalty to the country as per command of BJP or RSS headquarters. These are important issues the voters should consider. Meghalaya is a small state and our voice needs to heard in the Centre. Do you think my opponent will do that or sing the song of the Centre. (Interviewed by CK Nayak)