SHILLONG, Sep 1: State Congress chief has reaffirmed that his allegiance lies with the grand-old party, while denying reports about him working for the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) in Meghalaya in the guise of a Congressman.
Reacting to a query, Pala said that such claims are made from time to time with his name being associated with the NPP as well as the BJP.
“We are fighting against the NPP. And I am not so cheap to be purchased or bought by anybody,” Pala said.
The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief said that if he had to leave Congress, he would be gone by now, even as he recalled how several political parties approaching him.
Taking a dig at those making accusations against him with regard to his political career, Pala said liars will always remain liars.
When asked about reports about HM Shangpliang joining the BJP and whether the Congress would accept him back under such a circumstance, the MPCC president said that the party has already found his substitute for Mawsynram constituency, adding that the leader is working hard on the ground.
“We have given all those who left us a chance, and wherever our previous MLAs are not there, we are working hard,” Pala said.
Admitting that Mukul Sangma and his team left Congress and joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as soon as he became the party president, Pala, however, pointed out that the TMC is now divided into many groups, while adding that several NPP workers and leaders have also left the party and joined Congress.
Denying the perception that Congress is a no-show in the elections race, the party chief said the MPCC is now thriving with young candidates with potential and a clean image.
Congress will do better than others because public support is still with the party, he added.
Asserting that money power will not be an important factor in the elections barring few areas, Pala declared that those who use money to win elections can fool the people once or twice but not every time.
He also said the party will give its rivals a run for their money in Umsning, Mawkyrwat, Nongstoin, Mairang, Nongpoh and even in Jaintia Hills region.
