SHILLONG, AUG 3: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday urged the Voice of the People Party to refrain from holding a march to the Secretariat and instead submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister for discussion.
“Let us see, because I saw from the media that they are going to march to the Secretariat. Actually, there is no need for them to march. They can come and submit a memorandum nicely to the Chief Minister. We can have a dialogue and discuss — that is usually how we run the government,” Dhar told reporters here.
The Deputy CM said the doors of the government are open to all political parties to raise urgent issues.
“Obviously, if there are any urgent issues from any political party, they have the right to meet the Chief Minister or the government. They are most welcome. If they come and place their agenda or issues, we will discuss. There is no issue,” he said.
Asked if there was a political motive behind the proposed march, Dhar said most of the issues raised by the VPP were already under discussion.
“I saw their agendas. A few of them, but most of them are already under discussion or in the process. So let us see when they come. Maybe they want to meet the CM. They are most welcome if they come in the form of three to five leaders, like we used to do with any protesters. If anybody comes, we always welcome them,” he said.
“Let the CM handle it. We are open. Any political party can raise their issues. We are here to serve the people, to serve the state. Yes, if there are any lapses here and there, there is a place to talk, and they are most welcome to talk,” Dhar added.
On whether the government would formally invite the VPP, he said the Chief Minister would respond since the party wants to meet him.
“Obviously, the government always keeps its doors open for everybody for talks. If there are any issues, let us resolve them in the interest of the people of the state,” he said.
Dhar also questioned the need for public protests over minor issues, stating that elected representatives should take up matters directly with the government.
“Suppose on petty issues we have to call the public to march to the Secretariat — what is the point of people electing us? We have been elected by the people to represent their issues. For small issues, if we call people to come and march to the Secretariat, this is not the way,” he said.
“All MLAs and MDCs are people’s leaders. They have the right to meet the Chief Minister and the government nicely, and the door is open for them 24 hours. It is my duty as an MLA to meet the government and discuss issues of my constituency. That is how we have been working as a government,” Dhar said.
By Our Reporter
