SHILLONG, Feb 13: HSPDP president, KP Pangniang gave a new spin to the debate over a Khasi becoming the next Chief Minister.
He told The Shillong Times on Monday that a Khasi and a Garo can occupy the CM’s post on a rotation basis.
“We have seen a Garo Chief Minister for 13 consecutive time years. We need to develop the spirit of sharing. The leaders from Garo Hills can now allow a Khasi leader to become the CM after the next election,” he said.
Pangniang said a Garo can again become the CM of the government after the next.
He said the two communities have maintained a cordial relationship and respect each other. “As an act of balance, there should be equal sharing of power,” he added.
The HSPDP chief said the sharing of the CM’s post between Khasi and Garo should be a mutual thing. “If we are trying to impose by saying that the next CM should be a Khasi, then it will suggest we are playing politics on communal lines,” he said.
Pangniang also said the time has come to give the regional parties an opportunity to lead the state.
“We have seen the national parties lead the state for the past many years. The regional parties deserve a chance to prove it can govern the state well too,” he said.
Earlier, state BJP president Ernest Mawrie had targeted UDP candidate from Mawlai, PT Sawkmie for trying to win the election on communal lines by insisting that a Khasi should be at the helm of the new government after the February 27 Assembly polls.
Mawrie said it was not right on the part of Sawkmie to make such a comment that could divide the Khasi and the Garo communities. “Such a view just to serve political interests is not desirable,” he said.
The BJP, he said, will support a leader who has all the merits to become the CM of the state. “It does not matter whether he is a Garo, Khasi or even a non-Khasi. But he should have the capability to become the CM,” he added.
The NPP also cautioned the UDP against toeing the communal line in its bid to win the elections.
“Our state must be protected at all costs from the fragmentation of communities as it will have a huge negative impact on a united Meghalaya. We cannot divide the state just to gain political mileage. One Meghalaya is the only way forward,” NPP spokesperson Ampareen Lyngdoh said.
