SHILLONG, Feb 7: Two women candidates from Congress — Venetia Pearl Mawlong and Bethleen Dkhar — have decided that they will carry the empowerment of women and youths and the issue of drug addiction among the young generation in their list of agenda in the upcoming elections.
Mawlong filed her nomination from South Shillong and will thus compete for the seat against BJP’s Sanbor Shullai, while Dkhar will be contesting against NPP candidate Mohendro Rapsang and UDP candidate, Paul Lyngdoh, for West Shillong. She filed her nomination on Monday as well.
Talking to reporters, Mawlong said that the empowerment of the youths will be one of her top priorities. She believes that the youths are frustrated due to the lack of employment opportunities.
“We need to take care and motivate our youths since they are the future of the state. We need to find out the ways and means to empower our youths,” she said.
Mawlong also pointed out how drug addiction in the youths has turned out to become a major problem in South Shillong constituency.
“We can eradicate the problem of drug addiction with the support and involvement of each and stakeholders. We already had a discussion on how to do away with this problem which has become a menace for the society,” he said.
Sanbor Shullai had earlier described the upcoming polls to be a cake walk for him since there are no strong opponents; to this, Congress candidate Mawlong said it will be known on March 2 when the results are announced. “I would not deny that the sitting MLA has brought development. But this is not enough since the constituency still lacks on many aspects,” Mawlong said.
On the other hand, Congress candidate from West Shillong has said that he will be a good listener to the people who are facing different problems, if elected.
Apart from fighting for the rights of women and children in the constituency, Dkhar said that law and order and safety of the people of the constituency will also be a priority.
She lamented that there is lower representation of women in politics. “I feel women can become better MLAs as they can take care of the constituencies like they take care of their homes,” Dkhar said.
“I can only say that the Congress will not use money power to influence the voters. We can only assure that we are going to give the best service if we are elected,” Dkhar added.
