SHILLONG: AL Hek, the BJP candidate from Pynthorumkhrah, drew criticisms from his rivals for skipping the common platform programme organised by the Joint Action Committee of the Seng Samla Lumshyiap Pyllun and the Seng Samla Pynthorbah (youth association of from Lumshyiap Pyllun and Pynthorbah) on Thursday. The remaining five contenders were present.
Organised at Mawtneng, the five contenders criticised Hek for the “backwardness of the constituency” as compared to other constituencies in Shillong by highlighting the problems of insufficient water supply, bad roads and health issues.
They also pointed at the absence of recreational centres for the youth that has led to many getting into drug addiction.
The candidates who spoke on the common platform were Nationalist Congress Party candidate Predecessor Rumnong, Congress candidate Banpynshngain Rumnong, People’s Democratic Front’s James Ban Basaiawmoit, Probity Nongpluh of the National People’s Party and Independent candidate Aneeta Synrem.
Nongpluh and Synrem, spoke on the issues of women and suggested ways to improve their welfare. While Nongpluh spoke on proposing schemes for women who are earning their livelihood by putting up small shops, Synrem stressed security for women.
Concerned at the condition of Pynthorumkhrah constituency, NCP’s Rumnong said, “We need someone competent, someone capable to be a representative.”
He said people have the mandate to choose a representative after careful consideration. “Nobody has the right to force anyone but we are here to highlight the issues.”
No to money
Urging people to abstain from the lure of money, Rumnong said, “If you want change, it should start from you. Demand for a hospital and Rs 200 for dental problems.”
Referring to Hek, he said people elected him “maximum times but (he had) done maximum damage”.
Rallying against money power, Synrem said education is wealth even as she was told that only people with money power stand for elections. She said that there is absence of employment avenues for the constituents, security of women against anti-social elements in the constituency.
Synrem added, “Representatives have to address the grievances of the people. Our representative (Hek) did not take our issues to the Assembly. He is very silent.”
PDF’s Basaiawmoit also cautioned against cash-for-vote. “A time will come when people will stay away from contesting elections as the power of Rs 500, Rs 2000 will work.”
Poor sanitation
NPP’s Nongpluh flagged the issue of sanitation problems due to insufficient water supply. “It is up to the people now. Our constituency needs help, it needs vitamins and medicines,” she said.
She assured people that if elected, she would meet every individual instead of people coming to meet her.
Making sarcastic comments about Hek, Congress’s Rumnong said, amid laughter and applause, that the former MLA has done a lot for the constituency by bringing the petrol pump, the Majestic Hotel, Orchid Resort at Umtrew.
“It was during JM Pariat’s time that we got roads and water supply. As for me, my motto is to hold on to my promises and do my work,” he added.
Echoing Rumnong, Basaiawmoit said, “There had been no development for 20 years. There are places that are pitch dark and the youth have no place to play, not even a football ground.”
Basaiawmoit said that he would do away with personal interviews as educated people do not get a chance while relatives of ministers get jobs. He assured that he would not allow MUDA’s encroachment in the constituency.
Referring to the BJP’s policies, he spoke on the ill-effects of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and GST where he said betelnut and betel leaf will come under GST.
