SHILLONG, Dec 21: In a startling claim, People’s Democratic Front (PDF) MLA from Mawkynrew and Cabinet minister Banteidor Lyngdoh on Wednesday said the National People’s Party (NPP) had offered his Rs 5 crore to join them.
The staggering disclosure by the former PDF president could be an evidence of how “money power” is likely to play a massive role in the outcome of the 2023 Assembly elections.
Speaking at a public function in Mawkynrew, Lyngdoh said he decided to reject the offer since he was firm on his decision to remain with the PDF and contest the upcoming 2023 Assembly polls from the party.
He recalled that former chief minister (L) Brington Buhai Lyngdoh had also rejected several offers to join the Congress. “He (BB Lyngdoh) remained with the regional party for 52 long years despite being approached by the Congress on numerous occasions” Lyngdoh said, adding that the former CM while rejecting the Congress offer had famously stated that it was better to swim in a clear stream or river rather than swim in a dirty ocean.
The PDF leader also lamented that the election campaign had turned into a festival. “I have witnessed trucks carrying blankets in Nongkrem constituency for distribution among the people.”
Without mentioning any name, Banteidor said the gifts were being distributed by those people who abandoned Mawhati constituency which is still backward.
“This only proves that they are not committed to serve the people,” he added.
