SHILLONG, March 1: The Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress (MPYC) came down heavily on the five suspended Congress MLAs on Tuesday, stating that their decision to support the government was for personal gains.
Newly-elected vice president of the MPYC, L Banphira Lang Basaiawmoit said although the MLAs claimed they had taken the decision for the benefit of the people of their constituencies, the main factor was their personal growth.
He pointed out how they are being absorbed in different capacities in the government. He said they had contested the polls on the Congress’ ticket and were elected by the people but deserted the party to serve their personal interests.
Basaiawmoit admitted that the exodus of the MLAs is a huge setback for the Congress. He said the party is dealing with it and coming up with solutions to manage this gap.
“We still have a vibrant team. We believe the prospective candidates willing to contest next year’s elections will be fascinated to see the resurgence of the Congress. We will field candidates in all 60 seats,” the MPYC vice president said.
He also said that the new team is looking to build the party beyond 2023. He felt money power will play a role in next year’s Assembly elections but it will not be a deciding factor.
“Only a small percentage of the population will be offered money during elections. But the majority of the voters will cast their votes after weighing merits and demerits,” Basaiawmoit said.
He said political leaders are increasingly joining the National People’s Party (NPP).
“Many feel that it is the right decision and we wish them luck. But I am for sure that the NPP will not win this time since many negative developments have taken place during the MDA regime,” the Youth Congress leader said.
He said the MPYC will try to collect concrete evidence about illegal mining and transportation of coal.
“We will come out in public if we manage to get evidence. But we feel all illegal things should come to an end. We are hearing reports that people in power are getting a share from the illegalities that are taking place,” Basaiawmoit added.
Newly-elected MPYC president, Adrian L Chyne Mylliem has expressed concern over the problem of drug abuse among youth as well as petty crimes.
According to him, a major cause of drug abuse among the youth is the problem of unemployment. He said the government should take more measures to fight the menace.
He also expressed concern over the lack of opportunities in higher education that made the youth to leave the state.
Earlier in the day, the Congress state committee appointed 11 new office bearers of the MPYC.