SHILLONG: Mahendro Rapsang, the Congress candidate from West Shillong constituency, said he aimed to project the constituency as a “vibrant” one by putting emphasis on development, education, employment and health if he wins the election.
Addressing reporters on Monday at his residence in Jaiaw, he spoke of providing basic amenities, which include drinking water, electricity and houses to the poor and promised to build roads, lanes and drains if elected.
In terms of education, he said he would convince the government to set up more public schools in the constituency to provide free education to underprivileged students and financially support meritorious students.
Referring to the pressing issue of unemployment, he spoke of bringing in more infrastructure to improve income by encouraging trade, constructing shops and complexes in and around the constituency.
“As for daily wage labourers, we will register them as part of government schemes ,” he added.
Rapsang said, “Not only for the betterment of the residents, but we have to make certain areas an attraction for tourists so as to generate employment. It will be a smart constituency.”
To a query on smart constituency, he pointed to the basic sanitation problem in Mawbah area which needs to be taken care of and the lanes and by-lanes in some areas that are dark and where people use torchlight.
On promoting tourism in the constituency, he said Mawbah and Lower Mawprem can be converted into shopping areas instead of heading to the crowded Police Bazar.
He said that roads to Bishop Falls can also be built properly.
Stating that the constituency falls under the Urban Affairs Department, Rapsang said, “It depends on us to tell the department to build a model constituency.”
Meanwhile, Michael Pakyntein, a supporter of Rapsang, exuded confidence that Rapsang will win the election by 3000-4000 votes.
On the other hand, Rapsang said the desertion of his forefront supporter, Havergail Bareh will not affect the party in the polls as his supporters are willing to stick by his side.
