SHILLONG, Feb 16: BJP spokesperson and North Shillong candidate Mariahom Kharkrang has lashed out at the regional parties for being hypocritic in seeking votes from the non-tribals and other communities, when their party creed does not allow non-tribals to be members of their organisation.
Speaking to media persons here on Thursday, Kharkrang said, “Regional parties have got different kind of constitution and agenda and for them it is only about the local indigenous people and nobody else.”
Kharkrang, who is fighting a multi-cornered contest in the multi-ethnic constituency, is jostling for capturing the non-tribal votes which might eventually prove to be decisive.
Shillong North has nearly half its voters belonging to minority non-tribals. Being a reserved seat for tribals, they are left to make their choice out of the eight in the fray.
Kharkrang who apparently banks a lot on minority votes is not amused by the regional parties’ relentless quest for getting a slice of these votes.
“It appears that all other communities rather than the Khasis are being used for serving their political interest,” Kharkrang observed while pointing out the dichotomy of regional parties. He did not name any specific party.
It may be mentioned that Kharkrang will be contesting the elections against sitting MLA Adelbert Nongrum (VPP), Dr Aman Warr (UDP), Ransom Sutnga (NPP) and Elgiva G Rynjah from TMC besides independent candidate, Michael Kharsyntiew.
Meanwhile, Kharkrang continued to demand the government to come out with a clarification on the COVID-19 expenses stating that people have the right to know on the huge amount spent on COVID in Meghalaya.
“People are curious to know how such a huge expenditure has been made while other states like Manipur and Assam has spent lesser than our state,” Kharkrang said while adding that the government spent very less money on infrastructure and more on consumables like PPE kits and others.
