SHILLONG:
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday exuded confidence that the National People’s Party (NPP) will return to power in 2023 and continue the good work it has done over the last four years to place the state among the top 10 in the country.
He was speaking at a function to welcome to the party former Assembly Speaker Martin M Danggo, Umsning MDC Macdalyne Sawkmie, KHADC CEM Manstudy Nongrem, former JHADC CEM Hambertus Nongtdu, former MDC Thomas Nongtdu and former UDP Ri Bhoi vice president Reynold Kharkamni.
The party also declared that Danggo and Sawkmie will contest from Ranikor and Nongpoh constituencies respectively in the 2023 Assembly polls.
They joined the party in the presence of its national president and chief minister, state president and Rajya Sabha MP WR Kharlukhi, deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong, cabinet minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and others at the state party office here.
Sangma said those who joined believed that the NPP was working with a cause, a purpose, a commitment and dedication to the people of the state and the region as a whole.
“I can assure you we will continue to work in the next one year and I know that the people of the state will give us the mandate again in 2023… we will carry forward what we have started and complete the process and ensure Meghalaya will be among the top ten states,” he said.
He said the NPP-led MDA government has tried to take development to every nook and corner of the state citing the importance given to roads, bridges, school buildings, offices etc, which have been neglected for years.
He said many had doubts whether the government would last beyond a year, “but we are not bothered by such comments and continue to serve the state”.
Sangma said the party had only got tougher after every tough situation, and that in the past four years it has taken up issues that nobody had ever dared to because they were worried about the fallout of such action on their electoral prospects.
“I keep telling our team that yes, there is an election, but there is also a purpose for which we are here. So while we think of elections we must also remember that we have been given this opportunity and time to serve the people and the state,” he said adding, “Therefore we have taken up matters and issues that have been very challenging for us but because of the team work, because of the guidance we received from each and every one of you, because of the blessings from above, we are able to move forward.”
He further assured that many issues that have been there for long would be resolved.
He said the MDA government was not a one-man show, not about what the chief minister or deputy chief minister wants, but about what is good for the team and the state. “ It is about listening to the MLAs, about listening to the MDCs, it is about listening to the party leaders, to the people,” he said.
He also added that the government has been working based on consensus.
Earlier in his speech, Tynsong informed that arrangements have been made that Danggo will contest from Ranikor constituency and Sawkmie from Nongpoh constituency.
“However, there is a need to restructure the NPP block committees in the two constituencies and I request the state president to take steps to further strengthen the party ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections,” he said.
The deputy chief minister further said that the party is targeting to win 32-33 seats in 2023.
“It does not mean we will forget our coalition partners. Our commitment will continue but what we want from the NPP is to win from not less than 32-33 seats in the coming elections,” he added.