By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 2: The National People’s Party (NPP) has refuted the charge of horse-trading, asserting that its growing ranks are not the result of poaching but a reflection of the genuine desire of legislators to deliver development to the people.
“We are in the government, so why should we buy MLAs? What is the need?” asked NPP spokesperson HM Shangpliang. “The NPP is a clean party, which believes in working in the interest of people. It will get an absolute majority and retain power in 2028,” he said confidently.
Shangpliang made the remarks following the Congress’ accusation that the NPP is using central development funds to lure MLAs of other parties. Ronnie V Lyngdoh, the last MLA of the Congress in the state, had recently quit the party and merged with the NPP.
Shangpliang said, “Let them explain if it is that easy to misuse central funds. Perhaps, they are experienced and have done that.”
He said there is no reason why the NPP will lure legislators. “We don’t really have the need to poach MLAs and make them join our party because we are in power without them. These friends want development in their constituencies. They left their parties to join us and we were more than happy to welcome them,” the NPP leader said.
Recalling the sequence of defections and mergers, he said two People’s Democratic Front MLAs had first joined the NPP and later, three Congress legislators had embraced it. Finally, Ronnie followed suit.
“The question is why they are joining the NPP. They all have stated that their sole intention to join the NPP was that they want their constituencies to develop,” Shangpliang said.
He claimed that all-round development is taking place in the state under the NPP’s leadership. “If you go to even remote areas, you will find people praising the party.”
Highlighting the government’s achievements in road infrastructure, he said, “Roads are the most important need in a rural setup and we have got over 5,000 km of roads.”
He referred to the long-pending Mawphlang to Balat road project, stating that Rs 40 crore has been sanctioned till Weiloi and another Rs 100 crore is needed for the project from Weiloi till Balat. He said Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma is trying to find ways and means to get it accomplished.
According to Shangpliang, the MLAs, who switched parties, were driven by public pressure and the need to deliver results. “They said they were elected to serve the electorate. Expectations weigh heavy on their shoulders to bring development to their people.”
Citing the case of Mawhati, he said after Charles Marngar had joined the NPP, the constituency developed. A C&RD block was set up while new school buildings and highways came up. He said the people of Nongstoin and Mawkynrew are also reaping the benefits of development projects.
“These leaders have foresight. They want development and that is why, they joined the NPP,” he said.