By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 14: Cabinet minister and National People’s Party (NPP) leader Ampareen Lyngdoh has hailed the Voice of the People Party’s (VPP) move to spread its wings to Garo Hills, stating that it is unhealthy for any political party to isolate itself regionally.
She told reporters on Monday that Meghalaya cannot progress through divisive politics.
She said if the VPP wants to expand its base to Garo Hills, nobody can stop it. It will be illegal to stop a party from expanding its area of operation, she added.
“But if you ask me about the dynamics of this expansion or this operation, I think they (VPP) would be the best persons to respond because as far as I remember there was a very unfortunate scenario during the MP elections. It is not very healthy for the state when political parties isolate themselves regionally,” Lyngdoh said.
She also said that the United Democratic Party has tried to expand its operations across the state from time to time. She said a political party is always evaluated by the people.
“If we have done a good job, we will get the recognition in the next election but if we have done a bad job, we will face the wrath of the people. That’s how a democracy performs. We are open to scrutiny and not going to isolate ourselves,” the minister said.
She assured people that the NPP will never indulge in any divisive politics. She categorically stated that any political party should represent Meghalaya, not a community or a religion. “We are Meghalayans and we fight together for our issues. We have a common goal which is the progress of the state,” Lyngdoh said.
Meanwhile, she asked other political parties not to underestimate the NPP’s preparedness for the Gambegre bypoll as well as district council elections.
“We are a 100% prepared and no one should underestimate our preparations,” Lyngdoh said, adding that the party is working hard to fare well in the polls.
Insisting on political stability in the state, she said the NPP does not divide itself on the lines of community, creed, profession and religion.