Graft charges won’t dent MDA in 2023 polls: Kyrmen

SHILLONG, Oct 20: United Democratic Party (UDP) MLA Kyrmen Shylla on Thursday said the charges of corruption against the constituents of ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance will not have any impact in next year’s Assembly elections if they are not substantiated.
Shylla, who is also a Cabinet Minister, told reporters he does not subscribe to the idea of hurling charges of corruption at any party for the sake of election propaganda.
“The allegations have no weightage or merit unless backed up by proof or evidence,” he said.
He also said that he is not surprised that the allegations are coming from the Opposition ahead of the polls. He said people are intelligent enough to mould their own opinion. “It is the people who will give their verdict if they are going to vote in favour or against any party facing the allegations of corruption,” Shylla said. He said the UDP is hopeful that it will be able to lead the government after the elections.
“We are hoping that our party will get an absolute majority this time round. Even if we lead the government, we will make sure that all the coalition partners are part and parcel of the new government,” he said.
The Khliehriat MLA claimed there is a strong indication that the people are looking at the UDP as an alternative.
He said the party will prove it can provide a government which will work for the benefit of the people.
“People want their favourite candidate to contest from the UDP. I don’t see anything that can stop the UDP unless money power plays spoilsport on the party’s prospects,” Shylla said.
At the same time however, he said relationship and the connection with the masses are two key factors for winning elections. He described as propaganda reports that there is rampant use of money power during elections in Jaintia Hills.
Asked if the UDP can repeat its performance of 1998 by wining all the seven seats in Jaintia Hills, Shylla said the party is fighting for the top honours in all seven constituencies.
“There are strong possibilities. We might even recreate the magic of 1998,” he said confidently.
He said he considers all the four candidates, who will be up against him, as strong contenders. He welcomed the decision of former MLA Nehlang Lyngdoh to contest the polls, stating that the latter is like a father figure to him.
“He (Lyngdoh) is an ex-MLA who has never lost an election. It will be a good contest between the sitting and the former MLAs,” Shylla added.