SHILLONG, March 4: Chief Minister-designate, Conrad K Sangma on Saturday downplayed the stand taken by some pressure groups against the two HSPDP MLAs for supporting the NPP, stating that the two were elected by the people of their constituencies and it is upto them to decide who they should support.
“The NGOs may have their own concerns and issues which are separate from election mandate,” Sangma said.
He said the “political party” (HSPDP) issued the letter of withdrawal of support to the NPP but the letter of support, submitted by the two MLAs, was signed by the “parliamentary and legislative party”.
He lamented the arson attack on a property of HSPDP MLA Methodius Dkhar, stating that Meghalaya has never seen such behaviour.
“Meghalaya has always believed in democracy and accepted the mandate of people,” Sangma said.
He also said that the government has enough manpower and it is taking all measures to maintain law and order.
He said the organizers of Saturday’s protest were denied permission wherever they went, as people said they have already given their mandate and it is not time to have rallies.
“This is a clear indication that such activities of the individuals are at a personal level,” he said.
Asked about the demand of a Khasi Chief Minister, Sangma said in a democracy, people give their mandate and there is a procedure based on which the government is formed and the CM is elected. He said the procedure has been followed.
Admitting that there are sentiments, he said the entire process has been defined and it is not about a person or individual from a particular community “that has to be there or should not be there”.
“It is based on the mandate of people that candidates are elected. The elected members then elect their leaders,” Sangma said.
Reiterating that there is a process in which a government is formed and it has been followed for decades, he said if there was anything, it should have been expressed during the elections and campaigning.
Swearing-in ceremony
Chief Minister delegate Conrad Sangma has confirmed that he will take oath as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday. The cabinet ministers will also be sworn in on that day.
Speaking to media persons on Saturday, Sangma said he has received a letter from the Governor inviting him to form the government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other leaders including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma are also expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
Earlier on Saturday, Conrad Sangma along with Governor Phagu Chauhan and other officials inspected the site at Raj Bhavan for the swearing-in ceremony.
