SHILLONG, OCT 23: Deputy Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) national vice-president Sniawbhalang Dhar has launched a sharp attack on opposition parties, describing their leaders as “jobless” and immature, while defending the state government’s development record and highlighting the NPP’s growth from 33 to 36 MLAs.

Addressing a campaign rally for NPP candidate Dr DRL Nonglait at Mihmyntdu under Jowai constituency on Thursday night, Dhar accused opposition leaders of making allegations without substance and misleading the public.

“In our Pnar language, we call them jobless people,” Dhar said, taking a dig at his political opponents.

Comparing the opposition to an empty vessel, he added, “An empty vessel makes a lot of noise compared to the one that is filled with water.”

Dhar Defends Government’s Education Initiatives

Responding to criticism of the education sector, Dhar cited the state government’s CM Guidebook initiative, saying the government faced criticism both when students performed poorly in matriculation examinations and when results improved.

“When matric results are bad, they blame the government, saying it is not serious, that is why all the children failed. When we brought out the CM Guidebook and all the children passed, they also find fault,” he said.

Calling such criticism immature, Dhar questioned whether leaders who mislead the public were fit to lead Meghalaya.

“If our leaders are those who mislead the public, where will the state go?” he asked.

Praises Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla

Dhar also defended Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla, recalling that his decision to field Shylla as a candidate had initially attracted criticism because of his young age.

“When I first fielded Wailadmiki Shylla in Jowai, people questioned why I put up a small boy. I said, let him run, let him be sharp,” Dhar recalled.

He said Shylla had now served as an MLA for nine years and credited him with bringing numerous schemes to the constituency.

“If I tell you about the schemes he has brought, even one whole night will not be enough to tell,” Dhar said.

Accuses Opposition of Making False Election Promises

Without naming any political party, Dhar criticised opposition leaders for allegedly making promises during elections that they failed to fulfil after coming to power.

He questioned promises to provide jobs to young people, alleging that people who had worked for more than 10 years in a district council were instead being removed.

Dhar also referred to promises to remove gates, claiming that their number had increased from around 15–16 to more than 30.

“It is easy to talk, but to implement it is not easy. Those who are not in power can talk as they wish, but if you get power, you won’t even know where to sign,” he said.

Reflecting on his political career, Dhar said his 19 years as an MLA had made him accustomed to both criticism and praise.

“I have been abused enough and also been praised enough. My skin has become thick; I don’t feel pain from all that anymore,” he said.

Defends Development Projects, Criticises Opposition to Initiatives

Dhar said the government was focusing not only on road infrastructure but also on tourism development, accusing some opposition groups in Khasi Hills of opposing projects.

He said he had previously suggested that projects opposed in Khasi Hills could instead be taken to Jaintia Hills.

“If a hotel comes, they oppose; if a ropeway comes, they oppose. If we work, you complain; if we don’t work, you also complain,” he said.

However, Dhar acknowledged the role of criticism in governance, stating, “A government that is not criticised is a government that is sleeping during the day.”

Takes Dig at VPP’s Secretariat Gherao Call

Targeting the Voice of the People Party’s (VPP) call to mobilise people to surround the state secretariat, Dhar questioned whether participants fully understood the demands behind the proposed demonstration.

He recounted an interaction in which a woman reportedly told the media that she had come to the secretariat over a 10-point demand but could not explain what those points were.

Dhar argued that people sometimes joined demonstrations without fully understanding their purpose, urging voters to carefully consider their choices when selecting representatives.

He said political leaders should work to secure a brighter future for children, warning that voters would suffer the consequences if they failed to choose their representatives wisely.

“We are not the losers,” he said, arguing that the public would bear the consequences of poor political choices.

Dhar Credits NPP’s Growth to Political Support

Concluding his address, Dhar defended his approach to decision-making, saying, “I never take a right decision, I take a decision and I make it right.”

He also argued that criticism of NPP legislators had not weakened the party, pointing to its growth from 33 to 36 MLAs.

According to Dhar, the NPP initially won 26 seats, reached 28 following the merger of PDF MLAs, increased to 31 after Congress MLAs joined, reached 33 after winning a by-election, and subsequently rose to 36 following the entry of three UDP MLAs.

Dhar described the party’s expansion as a sign of the performance of the NPP-led government under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.

His remarks came amid political campaigning for the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, with the NPP seeking support for its candidate, Dr DRL Nonglait.