SHILLONG, JUL 14: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Tuesday campaigned for NPP Lok Sabha bye-election candidate Dr DRL Nonglait at Mawlyngkhung, Ri Bhoi, calling him a qualified and hardworking leader.
Dhar said the large turnout showed growing public interest in Dr Nonglait.
“In past elections people didn’t come for meetings. Today everyone wants to know about Dr Nonglait. This is a sign of our victory,” he said.
He praised the MDA government’s work, saying the state budget had grown from Rs 900 crore to over Rs 30,000 crore in 8 years.
“We don’t have time to just talk. We are busy working for the people under CM Conrad Sangma,” Dhar said.
Citing Ri Bhoi, he said Rs 250 crore had been spent on roads in Mawhati alone, with Rs 4 crore-plus sanctioned for the new Mawhati Block office.
On criticism of the government, he said: “People will talk whether we work or not. That is politics. If you want a government that is not criticised, that is a government that sleeps.”
Dhar also lauded local MLAs from Umsning and Mawhati for working despite facing abuse, and said 8-9 Union Ministers visiting Shillong showed the Centre’s confidence in the Meghalaya government.
By Our Reporter
