From Saurav Borah
BYRNIHAT (Jirang): The youngest contestant from this border seat, Adrian Lambert Mylliem, 29, from Indian National Congress (INC) says if he wins, he will work to ensure that the farmers of Jirang get what is due to them.
“Right now, there are various exploitative practices pertaining to farmers. So whatever should have been given to them has not been given,” Adrian told The Shillong Times after casting his vote here on Monday.
“You look at the inter-state boundary (of Meghalaya with Assam), there is a lot that needs to be done in terms of strengthening the border areas, ensuring public safety, et al,” he said.
Adrian said he would also look at career counselling of youths in the constituency.
“In regard to youth employment, we have to look at certain avenues. We can help youths gain jobs in certain industries,” he said.
In regard to healthcare, Adrian rued the fact that in Jirang there is no civil hospital (even as there is a PHC which is set to be upgraded).
“Health is a major aspect in which Jirang is suffering. Besides, there is a lot that needs to be done in the field of education here,” he said.
In regard to the “major” poll battle with NPP, the Congress candidate however said, “In a contest, we can never say who will win and who will lose. I treat everyone as my competition. But I have faith that Congress will win.”
Speaking about the grand old party (Congress), the young candidate said that Meghalaya needed stability in terms of governance the onus of which is on the party.
“Congress (which has given Independence to the country) being Congress, I feel that it is a party which has a knowledge of tackling poverty, health issues. Now, the new generation needs to take up the task of taking the party forward,” Adrian said.
In regard to a common complaint of MLAs, in general, not being reachable to the general public, he said, “Accessibility is something that is dependent on the MLA, who needs to interact and meet the people. That is a responsibility I will be taking up (if I win). My intention is to serve the people for five years.”
In regard to the challenge of “a weakened Congress post stalwarts jumping ship”, Adrian disagreed, saying that Congress is not weak and that the party has always been a factory by which new leaders, be it in the country or Meghalaya, have been made.
“I have full faith that the Congress will make future state leaders. It is time for the new faces to come up because the old faces are those who will only think about their personal interests,” he said, adding that “there is more that needs to be done in regard to making policies to ensure the future of youths, farmers and people who are stricken by poverty.’