SHILLONG, Jan 9: Giant slayer in the 2018 elections, HSPDP MLA from Sohiong constituency, Samlin Malngiang, has said that a regional party-led government in Meghalaya is unlikely until and unless all the regional fronts unite as one.
Pointing out that as of now, the HSPDP and the UDP are united under the banner of the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA), while many other regional fronts are yet to join, Malngiang said that a government headed by a regional party cannot be formed in the state as they stand divided.
According to him, the only way to strengthen the regional parties and turn it into a force to reckon with is by coming together.
Meanwhile, talking about his constituency and the electoral battle that awaits him, Malngiang said that regardless of whether or not former Health Minister, HDR Lyngdoh, contests the 2023 polls from the seat, he will have to work harder to secure a win. “I had defeated senior leader HDR Lyngdoh earlier and even now whether he contests or not, I will have to work hard, connect with the people and work along with them that is my first priority,” said Malngiang.
He said that he takes all candidates in the fray as a challenge and does not undermine anyone.
Justifying his statement he said that unlike any other state in the country, in Meghalaya, winning elections depend on the candidate and not the party alone.
Asked if there is any likelihood of him contesting from any other party, Malngiang said that he represents the HSPDP and has no intention to change sides.
The Sohiong MLA also expressed satisfaction over the work that he has initiated in his constituency so far. “In terms of roads in my constituency, I am satisfied. As of now, I have lot of sanctions under progress and in water supply scheme also through JJM and other schemes,” he said further adding that he has tried hard to change his area with development.
Malngiang, who had served for two-and-half years as a Cabinet Minister before PHE Minister Renikton L Tongkhar took over for the remaining term, said that the arrangement of Cabinet berth sharing among the MLAs from the party is not something he wants to comment on. He emphasised that it is all about serving the people, whether as an MLA or minister.