SHILLONG:
Leader of Opposition, Mukul Sangma, claimed on January 6 that Meghalaya had proven its ability to handle money and power during elections.
He was responding to a question regarding the claim that candidates from various political parties had started handing cash to woo voters. Additionally, a complaint was also filed against cabinet minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare for allegedly distributing money to people of Nongkrem constituency.
Sangma told reporters that he had previously witnessed attempts of brazen display of both money and power, particularly during the most recent Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections.
“However, the outcome was that the people who tried to exploit the innocence and simplicity of our people were made to realize…(and) were defeated,” he said while adding “Therefore, the same similar repetition will be demonstrated by the people who are concern for the larger interest and larger good of the state (in the upcoming elections).”
“We hear from the ground zero we have moved across the length and breadth of the state, we are hearing it from every citizen who are concerned for the future particularly the generation next and therefore, I am sure our people will demonstrate the wisdom that is inherently with our people and of which we are proud of,” he further added.
When asked, he said the people will have to look at the issue of the alleged irregularities and corruption across all sectors and the resultant fallout of lack of opportunities and unemployment.
“Another part is the manner in which the voice of the people is not articulated and implemented in spite of the promises made by the parties who are at the helm of affairs of governance,” he said.