UDP candidate calls for Lokayukta with muscle

SHILLONG: Joe Marwein, the United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate from North Shillong, said Meghalaya should strengthen the Lokayukta Act to fight against the menace of corruption in the state.
Addressing a gathering at a function to elect office bearers of the UDP North Shillong youth wing at Mawkhar on Saturday, Marwein criticised the Congress saying the white ink scam, or the education scam, was the first of its kind in the history of Meghalaya.
On influx, Marwein said the government has failed to tackle the issue of illegal immigrants.
“Since 2013, we have demanded for a strong law to check influx and the setting up of entry and exit points but till date the state government has not done anything,” he added.
The UDP candidate also targeted BJP saying its rule would not cross Assam because of its various policies. “The economy of the country has slowed down due to demonetisation which was meant to curb black money. But till date, we don’t see any action against those who indulge in black marketing,” he said.
“Apart from that, the BJP government introduced GST which has further complicated the problems for people,” he added.
The declaration of December 25 as Good Governance Day and Good Friday as Digital Day has affected the secular fabric of India, Marwein pointed out.
On the development in North Shillong, he said quality education and healthcare are the priorities for the party not just in the constituency but also in the state.