SHILLONG, MAR 24: Former minister Manirul Islam Sarkar joined the National People’s Party (NPP) in Meghalaya ahead of the April 9 Lok Sabha elections along with his supporters at a public rally in West Garo Hills district on Monday.
Islam formally joined the Sangma-led NPP with his supporters at Chibinang in West Garo Hills during a massive rally addressed by NPP Lok Sabha candidate PA Sangma and senior party leader and party spokesperson James Sangma.
PA Sangma also addressed another rally at Rajabala in the district, the plain belts area dominated by the minority Muslim community and considered to be a stronghold of the ruling Congress.
Islam had represented Chibinang areas which falls under Phulbari constituency held by Speaker Abu Taher Mondal while Ashahel D Shira joined the Congress after he won as an Independent last year.
In his address in both places, Sangma urged the residents of the plain belt areas to vote for change. He said, “Are we ready for a change which the whole country is looking for? You have to consider me for a change.”
Accusing the Congress for moving a ban on the minority population in the plain belts to contest and vote in the district council elections in the state, Sangma said he would defend the rights they enjoy in the Garo Hills. He said, “How can they (Congress) do such a thing? I will ensure that this will never happen as the Parliament has to amend the Sixth schedule. I will have the BJP and NDA on my side.”
Hitting at chief minister Mukul Sangma, the NPP chief blamed him for lack of development in the plain belt areas and the increasing militancy-related crimes in the Garo Hills region.
Sangma said, “Development approach has to be holistic and inclusive and it cannot take place when traders are kidnapped, killed and extorted.”- By Our Reporter
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