SHILLONG : Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has highlighted what he described as the National People’s Party’s (NPP) eight years of stable governance in the state, saying the government has remained focused on development rather than internal power struggles.
Dhar was speaking at a campaign rally in support of NPP candidate Dr DRL Nonglait at Umdihar in Umsning, Ri Bhoi, ahead of the Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll.
According to Dhar, the NPP government has maintained stability without internal disputes over key political positions.
“For eight years we have run Meghalaya. We have never fought for the Chief Minister’s chair, Deputy Chief Minister, MP or President posts because we are busy working,” Dhar said.
He contrasted the current government’s tenure with previous periods of political instability, claiming that Chief Ministers in the past were sometimes replaced within months or a few years.
“Earlier, CMs were changed every seven months, at most every two years. Today we have stability,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also criticised what he described as unnecessary political exchanges and “market gossip”, saying the government should instead focus its attention on issues that directly affect the people.
“We stay up at night to deliver for the people. We reply only to issues that matter. We shouldn’t waste time on those with nothing to do,” Dhar said.
Dhar Calls for Political Unity
Dhar also appealed for greater political unity in Meghalaya and urged leaders and citizens to avoid using divisive language against one another.
“Life is too short. Our job is to love and correct each other, not to call our own people thieves. If we talk like that, where will the state go?” he said.
Speaking about NPP Shillong bypoll candidate Dr DRL Nonglait, Dhar described him as a humble leader with grassroots experience who understands the difficulties faced by ordinary people.
He appealed to voters in Umdihar, Umsning and other parts of Ri Bhoi to support the NPP candidate, stressing that political coordination between the state government and the Centre would be important for Meghalaya’s development.
“If the MP is in the opposition, we start at a minus. We need the same team at state and central level so development reaches the people. If we fight among ourselves, we lose,” Dhar said.
The Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll is expected to be closely watched as political parties intensify their campaigns across the constituency. The election will determine Meghalaya’s next representative in the Lok Sabha following the vacancy in the seat.