SHILLONG:
BJP candidate from North Shillong Mariahom Kharkrang, on February 6, filed his nomination and expressed confidence that North Shillong is already a BJP seat.
Speaking to media persons after filing his nominations, Kharkrang said, “We are positive, North Shillong is a BJP seat no doubt about it. Last time we lost by almost 300 votes, this time we will be winning with an astounding majority.”
When asked if the party is divided in the constituency, Kharkrang said that the BJP is never a divided house and that he does see Kharsyntiew as a threat in the coming elections.
“BJP votes are not divided. Whoever is a BJP worker remains a BJP worker,” he said.
He further maintained that the party ticket was allotted to him based on merit and said, “You will have to ask those people who were bought because I have not spend a single penny, I have got this ticket based on the survey reports and based on various factors that the party has put in and I have not spend a single penny for this ticket – I have got this ticket based on my merit.”
He also expressed confidence that people of the constituency will vote for the BJP.
“North Shillong is a constituency where I should say 100% people are literate, everything is available to them, they will look into the performance of the party in other states and they will definitely look into the capability of the candidate and based on this people will make a choice and I am very sure that majority of them will make a BJP their choice.”
He however refused to comment on the performance of the sitting legislator Adelbert Nongrum and said, “I dont think it is proper for me to make comment – that I leave it to the electorate.”
On the allegation of his involvement in fake encounters while in service, Kharkrang said, “Anyone can make any allegations. The legal system is there in place, the court of law are there in place and whoever made this allegation I think I would say it is stooping so low.”
Asked on the reason for the BJP not pulling out of the NPP-led MDA government despite making allegations of corruption, the party spokesman said, “The state party wanted to pull out but the central leadership feel that if the party is still there in the government probably, they will be able to reign on the government rather than leave the government completely on its own. So, in their wisdom of things, I feel that is why they decided not to withdraw.”
“Scams have happened it is not only me saying the media has been carrying that on a daily basis. For that matter, even the Meghalaya High Court has took cognizance on this. Let see when we come to the government at that point of time right now I don’t want to make any comment,” he said.
As far as the illegal coal mining in the state is concerned, Kharkrang said, “If the media has made up (the story) by now you would have defamation cases registered against you but that has not happened. This allegation of illegal coal mining has been going on for the last three-four years and you all have been carrying it on a regular basis and if it was wrong news, they would have definitely filed a defamation suit against you and who else the Meghalaya High Court has made a remark on this.”
Spelling out his priorities for the constituency, Kharkrang said he is focusing on four issues – education, health care, employment and security.
He said unless the security system is good, the state will not develop.
“For simple reason is that we have to depend on investments to come to the state so that required jobs can be created. Now with the security system that we have in place right now I doubt anyone will want to invest in our state. You see it is not only about maintaining the law and order but maintenance of law and order has a bearing on the development of the state. That is why I have taken it up as one of the main issues also because for me I want my state to develop and all the factors which are involved on this I have to take care of that,” he said.