By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 23: Shillong MP Vincent H Pala has lamented that the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) have not been released regularly in the past three years, attributing this to his inability to serve the constituencies in a befitting way.
“I am not able to meet the expectations of the 36 constituencies with only Rs 5 crore under the MPLADS in a year. It has become more difficult since the government has not released the schemes regularly during the past three years,” Pala said during a meeting to formally induct more than 40 members of different political parties into the party at a function organised by Mawryngkneng Block Congress Committee (MBCC).
In a veiled remark, he also admitted to his weaknesses as an MP.
“I understand that it is not possible for me to meet the aspirations of everyone,” Pala, who is seeking re-election for the fourth consecutive term as the MP of the Shillong parliamentary seat, said.
With regard to the contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Congress MP said that the trend in Garo Hills is slowly moving in favour of the Congress.
“People are fed up with the misrule of the NPP-led government in the state. The people in Garo Hills realise that it is only the Congress which can protect their interest,” Pala said.
He said that the people in Khasi-Jaintia region also need to repose their faith in the Congress party.