By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 22: A tense confrontation erupted in Mawlai Nongpdeng on Monday during a road inspection when Voice of the People Party (VPP) MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang was publicly challenged by local Dorbar Shnong leaders over claims that he had taken sole credit for securing a road project.
Members of the Mawlai Nongpdeng Dorbar Shnong Executive Committee, led by Rangbah Shnong Kitkupar Kharshiing, confronted the Mawlai MLA shortly after he arrived at the site.
The leaders accused Marbaniang of appropriating credit for a project they insisted had been achieved through the persistent efforts of residents and the Dorbar Shnong.
Kharshiing sharply criticised the MLA for failing to communicate or consult them before the work order was issued. “Only after the work order was released did the MLA make contact,” he said.
It may be recalled that on December 3, Marbaniang announced that construction of a blacktopped motorable road in Mawlai Nongkwar—from Block 13 to Block 3—would soon begin at an estimated cost of around Rs 29 lakh. He added that this road was part of a larger Rs 4.61 crore package that also included blacktopping and drainage works for the Mawlai Nongpdeng road under the same scheme.
Following this, the MLA directed engineers from the PWD (Roads) Central Division to conduct a site inspection on Monday ahead of work commencement.
However, Dorbar leaders claimed they were not directly informed by the MLA and learned of the inspection only through the engineers.
During the heated exchange, Kharshiing maintained that the project materialised due to the dedicated efforts of the Dorbar Shnong, former MDC Teibor Pathaw, and the support of Deputy Chief Minister and PWD (Roads) Minister Prestone Tynsong. Other executive committee members echoed these sentiments.
In response, Marbaniang explained that the project had previously been stalled. As MLA, he said, he followed it up and ensured both the Mawlai Nongkwar and Mawlai Nongpdeng roads were included in the same scheme. He expressed discomfort at being told he had contributed nothing, while clarifying that he had never denied the Dorbar Shnong’s role.
Kharshiing countered that the MLA played no direct role in securing the project, attributing it primarily to community efforts and the Deputy Chief Minister’s timely intervention. He emphasised that true commitment to the community is shown through actions, not just words.
Marbaniang defended his duties, stating that it is an MLA’s responsibility to monitor all development projects in the constituency, regardless of political support. He stressed that he does not discriminate between supporters and non-supporters and that every area deserves equal development.
The MLA noted that since taking office, he has consistently followed up on pending projects across Mawlai and should not be criticised for fulfilling his obligations. He acknowledged the Dorbar’s right to thank the PWD Minister, whose department is responsible for implementation.
Marbaniang assured residents that he would continue bringing schemes and projects to the constituency, irrespective of allocation size, and that all works in Mawlai would be executed equitably in line with the Detailed Project Report (DPR). He further pledged to closely monitor progress for proper implementation.
