SHILLONG, Feb 28: United Democratic Party (UDP) working president, Paul Lyngdoh on Monday said the state has not been able to perform to its potential as it faces a major crisis in political leadership.
He said the quality of legislators has gone down to such extent that even a common man on the street is talking about it.
“The state faces a major crisis of political leadership, which is why if you look at various indicators, you will notice it has not performed to its optimal potential. The missing link here is the leadership crisis,” Lyngdoh told reporters.
He made the remark reacting to the BJP’s statement that it is keen on contesting in the West Shillong seat to make it a triangular battle among him, Mohendro Rapsang of the Congress (currently suspended) and BJP president Ernest Mawrie.
“In politics, we do not underestimate anybody, especially given the dimension and various factors. Shillong is a multi-ethnic and multi-linguistic constituency, so I have full respect for all of them who will be in the fray,” Lyngdoh said.
He claimed he has always been a performer – in the government as well as in the Opposition. “God has blessed me abundantly. I have led the students’ union since the 1990s. I was a part of NESO (North East Students’ Organisation) as its general secretary and then, entered electoral politics. I have won and lost many electoral battles. So, experience, education, leadership skills count. These are things no amount of money can buy,” Lyngdoh said.
He said he would like to make the maximum use of these assets. He said he is still physically very active, mentally very alert, spiritually very strong and emotionally very stable.
“Let’s make the best use of these assets so that I do not become selfish and use these gifts only for myself and my family. I would like to share the fruits that god has bestowed upon me in order to benefit not just West Shillong but entire Meghalaya,” he added.
