From Our Correspondent
WILLIAMNAGAR, Nov 30: In what could set off a huge debate, the East Garo Hills chapter of the National Peoples’ Party (NPP) has acquired government land to build its upcoming headquarters for the district, leading to many questioning the move. The party, however, defended the move saying they were not the pioneers in this field as other political parties too have done the same. They were only following the paved path.
The upcoming party office in the town of Williamnagar is located at Doki Ading between the offices of the DSEO and the district library.
The plot being used is admittedly owned by the government with construction of the offices already beginning.
As per the party, all formalities were followed in acquiring the plot with a request made to the district administration a few years ago and NOCs received from all and sundry. Locals too were made aware and had no objections, as per party sources.
Prior to the 2023 elections, hundreds of residents of Williamnagar were benefitted following the government’s decision to issue pattas for land being occupied in the town of Williamnagar over decades. The move was welcomed by all and a major flashpoint, agreeably settled.
Williamnagar MLA and PHE minister, Marcuise Marak defended the move to use the plot for the political party’s offices as there were hardly any private open spaces that could be used.
“The move came after much deliberation as the district required a party headquarters. If you want to question the legality, then the party offices of the Congress and the UDP too need to be mentioned as these have also come up on government owned property. Even the BJP party office is on allotted government land. We are not pioneers in this field but followers. Their use of government property for party requirements need to be questioned first instead of people pointing fingers at us only,” said Marcuise when contacted on the subject.