Former PDF chairman PN Syiem joins NPP

SHILLONG, JAN 5:Founder of People’s Democratic Party (PDF) P N Syiem along with several leaders of the PDF Mawsynram block including its president, secretary, mahila and youth wing members today joined the National People’s Party in presence of National President of NPP Conrad K. Sangma, State Working President Dr. W. R. Kharlukhi and a host of other NPP leaders at a grand public function in Mawsynram, East Khasi Hills.

NPP chief Conrad K. Sangma declared Alvin K. Sawkmie as the NPP’s official candidate for upcoming Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) election during the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, NPP chief Conrad K. Sangma termed the joining of PDF leader P N Syiem to NPP as “historic” and an opportune moment of two political forces coming together with a common vision to work for the people of Mawsynram and the State as a whole.

“I have campaigned in Mawsynram constituency for many times, PN Syiem and me where in opposite sides fighting elections democratically giving our vision to the people. Today we are in the same side with our teams together and stronger to raise the voice and concerns of the people together,” he added.

Terming NPP as a party with specific vision and goals for the people of Northeast, Conrad said, “NPP is a purpose driven party that is committed to give voice to the voiceless and the religious minorities who don’t have voice and cannot be heard.”

Making a scatting attack on Congress and its leader Dr. Mukul Sangma, NPP chief said, “There is dissatisfaction in the Congress party because of the dictatorial style of functioning by its leader. They had even sidelined Dr. DD Lapang, who has served the Congress party for over 50 years.”

Conrad blamed Dr. Mukul for his irresponsible style of functioning by sanctioning different projects without even thinking from where the funds to execute the project would come. “He kept announcing projects after projects and laid foundation stones but there was no planning of how these would be executed and completed,” he added.

“What is most shocking that Mukul announced schemes like Rice mission, which actually did not exist and there was no documentation but money amounting to crores were utilised for such programme,” he added.

Talking about coal issue, Conrad said, “In the past nine months, MDA government has engaged with central leadership for almost 10 times to resolve the issue. We are for proper and scientific approach to mining with utmost concern for the environment and safety of miners and assure livelihood to the people, while in the past Congress government never made an attempt to resolve mining issue.”

Syiem said that NPP is the only party that can fulfill the aspirations of the people of Northeast and under the leadership of Conrad K. Sangma he foresee a future for Meghalaya.

“You may ask me a question why I joined NPP sir (Conrad K. Sangma). I believe that under your dynamic leadership the state will prosper. People of Northeast have to come together and strengthen itself and if this has to happen we have to have faith in NPP,” Syiem said.

He said that different communities in Mawsynram find it convenient to align with NPP and it is the best option to serve the people.

Speaking on the occasion former Chief Minister and NPP leader Dr. DD Lapang said, “Humility and sincerity of Conrad K. Sangma who inspite of studying abroad and holding several degrees is so much concern for the people and his leadership qualities has attracted leaders like me and PN Syiem and others to join NPP.”

He further said, “Every time I sit alongside with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, I remember late P.A. Sangma the tallest leader from Northeast with whom I had served when he was the Chief Minister of Meghalaya. He posses the qualities of his late father.”

He expressed confidence that under leadership of Conrad K Sangma MDA government will complete its full term and assure development for the state and welfare of the people.

He also said that during his last political journey he would continue to serve NPP and ensure that the party only grows stronger.

By Our Reporter