SHILLONG, Sep 18: Debutants Voice of the People Party (VPP) has trained its guns on the state government over the decision to hold the Cherry Blossom Festival this year, inspite of the flak it drew from several quarters.
In a statement, party president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said the Cherry Blossom Festival does not reflect the culture and the traditions, of the people of the state. It instead only brings in undesirable activities that are detrimental to the society, he added.
“If media reports that the state government will have to avail a loan to meet the expenses of this festival prove to be right, then the people of the state have every right to oppose and question the decision of the Government to hold these sorts of festival in the state,” Basaiawmoit said.
Pointing out that the state is already debt-ridden, he observed that the financial condition of the state will worsen with more loans.
Basaiawmoit suggested those at the helm of affairs to stop such ‘wasteful and unproductive’ activities in the best interest of the state and its people.
Casting aspersion on the MDA Government, the VPP chief said, “We have noticed that this government is determined to go ahead with its decision to introduce casinos in the state against the wishes of the people of the state. This has been manifested by the refusal of the government to accept the private member’s bill brought by North Shillong legislator Adelbert Nongrum in the just concluded Assembly session to repeal the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act 2021.”
VPP president stated that the recent statement of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to suspend the process is an attempt to pacify the people, especially the church leaders under the banner of Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF), who had voiced concern against the legalised gambling in the state.
He claimed that there was no clarity in the CM’s statement that the government will repeal this act, while alleging that Conrad merely mentioned that there will be no further action on the matter.
“However, he (CM) clearly explained that process which has been put in place before will not be done away with. This implies that whatever decisions that have been made will stay. It also means that licences that have been issued, as stated by Minister James Sangma on the floor of the House will remain valid,” VPP president said.
