SHILLONG : Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Tuesday night highlighted the stability of the NPP-led MDA government, saying the absence of internal power struggles has allowed the government to focus on development and governance over the last eight years.
Addressing a large gathering at Ummulong Madan Khawang during an election campaign in support of NPP candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha byelection, Dr DRL Nonglait, Dhar said the government has been able to deliver because its 32-33 MLAs have worked together without a leadership crisis.
“For more than eight years now we have been governing the state. Even with 32-33 MLAs, we have never had internal fights. We don’t have time to fight for power because we are busy working for our people,” Dhar said.
He contrasted the present government with previous administrations, alleging that chief ministers were changed frequently, sometimes within seven to eight months.
“That is why we have unity and good relations, and that is why we have been able to take the state to a different level,” he added.
Dhar also defended the government’s borrowing, saying all loans are taken within limits prescribed by the Union Finance Ministry and in accordance with established rules and guidelines.
He pointed out that Meghalaya’s state budget has increased from around Rs 9,000 crore in 2018 to approximately Rs 30,000 crore today, attributing the growth to the efforts of the government and its leadership.
Dhar also referred to the Union Finance Minister’s recent clarification that Meghalaya’s debt remains within permissible limits, while stating that some loans announced by the Chief Minister would be repaid by the Government of India.
“It does not mean that just because you are in power you can do whatever you like. Everything we do is as per rules and regulations,” he said.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Dhar said around Rs 10,000 crore has been spent on roads, including Rs 4,600 crore for repairing 3,400 km of roads and Rs 5,000 crore for constructing 600 km of new roads.
He further said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had assured an additional Rs 39,000 crore for Meghalaya. Dhar also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would soon lay the foundation stone for a proposed Rs 21,000-crore, 166-km four-lane Greenfield road connecting Umroi and Ratacherra.
The Deputy Chief Minister also criticised opposition parties for repeatedly making corruption allegations without providing evidence.
“I feel sorry for these other political parties that keep shouting ‘corruption, corruption’ every day. If you feel that way, give proof. But innocent people are being misled by such allegations,” he said.
Dhar concluded by urging voters to support Dr DRL Nonglait in the Shillong Lok Sabha byelection, saying the NPP-led government’s record of stability, governance and development deserved continued public support.