NPP candidate says ‘dynasty politics’ is misconstrued

SHILLONG, Feb 19: Against the backdrop of BJP ranting against dynasty politics in Meghalaya, NPP candidate from Nongthymmai Jasmine Lyngdoh has said that the over-used coinage ‘dynasty politics’ has been misconstrued.
Speaking to media persons here on Sunday, Jasmine, sister of sitting MLA from East Shillong Ampareen Lyngdoh, said people tend to forget that if one is born into a family of politicians, she or he tends to have the mindset of serving the people.
“I am fortunate that my family is in politics and we know how to approach people and address and resolve their issues,” she said.
“Her late father PG Marbaniang, late brother RG Lyngdoh and sister Ampareen have proved that it matters a lot if you are coming from the family of politicians as you are exposed to all the challenges and ground realities,” she said.
She observed that some people may take advantage of hailing from family of politicians, but she and her siblings were always taught to work hard, take responsibility and work for the people. “People may take advantage but we have never taken advantage of power and we have been taught to work hard for society, to shoulder responsibilities and to be genuinely pro-people,” she added.
Lyngdoh who is entering the poll fray for the first time and is pitted against political heavyweights like TMC’s Charles Pyngrope and UDP’s Jemino Mawthoh, said that she has decided to join the fray as there are lots to be done for the development of the constituency. She cited as an example water scarcity in the constituency which has to be addressed with priority. “Water is a big issue in the constituency,” she pointed out while lamenting the lack of public toilets and sanitations.
Many schools are located in the constituency. But they are not upgraded. The locals have to opt for town schools and they have to go to town which create lot of hardships for them,” she said while stressing that state needs a Meghalaya-based party, because parties from outside do not understand the needs of the people.
Asked about the challenge of facing the political heavyweights like Pyngrope and Mawthoh, she said that during elections it cannot be assumed that current MLA or ex-MLA is guaranteed to win the battle.
“The anti-incumbency is high for a sitting MLA while the former MLA has not brought any projects and schemes,” she added to vindicate her claim.