2023 polls different from last, local politics dynamic, says TMC’s Mominin

PHULBARI, Feb 13: TMC candidate from Phulbari SG Esmatur Mominin, who recently quit the NPP over denial of a ticket to contest the upcoming Assembly elections, has opined that the elections this year is different from the one in 2018.
Mominin, in an interview, said the above, while touching upon the dynamic nature of local politics, especially with reference to the Phulbari constituency.
“Last elections, we had a Hindu candidate, a candidate from the Garo community as well as two minority candidates. This time, there is no candidate from the Hindu community and that has changed the entire situation. I have been in constant touch with them since I was elected in 2018 and have been receiving positive responses from them. I am sure that the intensive campaigns with my supporters, along with the positive response I am garnering, will lead us to a win,” said the former MLA.
Stating that despite all his efforts, there were still a lot of areas that required attention.
“The first thing I will try to work on is the Rongai Valley mini hydel project, which has been languishing for long now. The next is to enhance the salary pattern of the ad hoc teachers and try to ensure that the SSA teachers’ salaries are released on time. With regard to infrastructure, my focus will be on the hills which still require a lot of attention,” he said when asked about his vision for the constituency if re-elected.
One constant with the plain belt has been the power situation, something that has been harped on by three-time MLA and Mominin’s rival, NPP’s AT Mondal.
It may be recalled that the NPP had allotted the party ticket to Mondal and not to Mominin, leading to the latter’s exit from the party.
When asked about what happened with the power grid in Chibinang, which requires to be charged to be activated, Mominin said that albeit he tried his best to get the same inaugurated and make it up and running, he failed.
The TMC candidate also added the situation has worsened after the revenue circle was given to a private firm.
“Bills have become a major area of concern as in some months, people get Rs 1,000 as dues while in others, they are charged Rs 3,000 though the power consumption remains the same. I have raised this issue at least three times. If voted to power, I will take keen interest in resolving this. I will also try and make sure the power grid is operational as soon as possible,” he informed.
Mominin also rebuffed the NPP’s remark that the TMC is an outsider party and said that even PA Sangma had won elections on a TMC ticket.
“He (late PA Sangma) was not only a party member but had also won on a TMC ticket (then National Trinamool Congress). He was the first one who brought this party to Meghalaya. This is now a party that is liked by people of all communities, especially due to the contributions of Mukul Sangma and Charles Pyngrope,” he stressed.
Mominin asserted that people were aware of what the TMC had achieved in West Bengal and that it would bring development to Meghalaya if voted to power.