SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) Chief, Conrad K. Sangma, campaigned on Tuesday in the Nongstoin constituency to rally support for the party’s candidate for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Dressar Marngar.
Addressing the voters, Sangma urged them not to be swayed by political rhetoric or misinformation, urging them to focus on the real issue at hand – development.
“There will be a lot of heat during the elections, but once they are over, people will be talking about development, livelihoods, and the support they need,” he said.
Sangma emphasised that the NPP holds an absolute majority in the state assembly and is the only party capable of delivering the necessary support for the development the region deserves.
“It is imperative that we vote for the government that can deliver on development,” he asserted.
He also spoke against the distractions of baseless allegations that often arise during political campaigns, stating, “Many will make promises, but we are here to serve the people and bring real development. After elections, those making empty promises will disappear. Think about what will happen after February 24.”
On the issue of coal mining in the state, Sangma highlighted the NPP’s successful challenge against the coal mining ban, which allowed for the approval of scientific mining.
“We have already overcome one of the biggest challenges, with officials from the coal ministry inspecting mines in the Jaintia Hills, and they will soon visit mines in the West Khasi Hills,” he said, expressing hope that this would bring positive changes.
Sangma also assured traditional miners that the government would make sure they are not burdened by strict regulations.
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“We aim to ensure that traditional miners, especially those in small quarries, will not have to go through a complicated approval process,” he added.
In his address, the Chief Minister also focused on the government’s initiatives for the development of sports, education, and infrastructure, citing the construction of a football stadium and a track-and-field stadium in Nongstoin as a testament to the NPP’s commitment to progress.
During the campaign, Sangma engaged with the public and listened to their concerns, reinforcing the NPP’s dedication to serving the people of the region.