TURA, MAY 20: Having been elected as the Tura Lok Sabha MP with huge majority, NPP president Conrad Kongkal Sangma has appealed to chief minister Mukul Sangma to keep aside political differences and work together for development of Garo hills in particular and the state in general. He said as Lok Sabha MP he will extend all possible help to the Congress led coalition government of Dr. Mukul Sangma.
In his first interview after being elected as Tura Lok Sabha MP, thirty-eight year old Conrad K Sangma- who has been chosen to carry on the legacy of his late father Purno A Sangma by the people of Garo hills- told this correspondent that they- NPP and Congress- have traded charges against each other during election. But, he said, Now that the elections are over, I don’t want to look at the Congress ruled state as my opposition. I, therefore, urge the chief minister and the state government to be focused and push development agenda of the centre together.”
Conrad Kongkal Sangma is leaving for New Delhi tomorrow. He is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of different political parties including BJP president Amit Shah and seek their blessing as he sets foot for his journey as a parliamentarian.
A graduate from Wharton School of Business and Imperial College, University of London, Conrad, who had served as finance and power minister and as an opposition leader in the state during 2009-13, has accepted the mandate of the people with humility and has assured to take forward the unfinished tasks of his father (late PA Sangma) .
He has promised to extend all cooperation to the Congress ruled Meghalaya to ensure that the central government programmes are implemented in right earnest.
Excerpt of his interview
Agenda for Garo hills
First of all, I would like to thank all the people of Garo hills – tribal and non-tribal for reposing their faith in the party (NPP) and my candidature. I have a huge task and a responsibility to fulfill. There are many projects, which were started by my father I have to continue to carry it forward.
Different boards (rubber, coffee, spice etc) have come up in Garo hills, I would like to work with the farmers and focus on value addition and encourage entrepreneurship.
Big dream
My father always wanted that an Aeroplane should land in Garo hills. I would like to push forward that Baljek airport is made operational and ensure that the telecommunication and education scenario is improved.
Thrust on youth
As a young MP, my role will be to ignite young minds and facilitate them, so that they can take up entrepreneurial activities. This will ensure that educated youths, who are depended on government jobs, does something meaningful and contribute towards the betterment of the society.
Departure from state politics
My position maybe somewhere else but my voice will be there for the people of Garo hills and Meghalaya. Now, I will also have a better opportunity to speak for the people of Northeast in general, for Christians, tribal and minorities as a whole. It is an opportunity for me and I will try my best and continue to raise my pitch and concern for the people of Northeast.
Meghalaya’s opposition to BJP led NDA
We said many things against each other during election. Now that the elections are over, I don’t want to look at state ruled by Congress government as my opposition. I urge the chief minister and the state government to be focused and push development agenda of the centre together.
Turnaround in the plain belt (Muslim stronghold)
There has been a tremendous support from the plain belt area. I would like to thank each and every one. They also felt that P A Sangma has done so much and paid their tribute to him. They felt that a strong voice was required to be in parliament and have cooperated in a big way to ensure that NPP won in those areas. The other factor, which played were anti-incumbency and lack of development in the area.
Peace in Garo hills
Peace is very critical for the people. I would like to ensure that the socio-economic condition of the people is improved. For plain belt areas, I would like to ensure that different schemes from the minority affairs are implemented in right earnest.-By Our Reporter
Liked the way he speaks, by this way of speaking everybody knows he is down to earth gentleman. First I would congratulate Mr Sangma for his landslide victory and secondly I would appreciate whatever he has in his humble heart. I wish you success in your future and may God the Almightly bless you!
I appreciate your vision for change