JOWAI, JUL 22: Cabinet Minister and Jowai legislator Wailadmiki Shylla has defended the NPP-led state government and questioned the ability of the Voice of the People Party to govern, calling on people not to be swayed by the opposition’s criticism.
Speaking during an election campaign for NPP candidate for Shillong LS bypoll Dr DRL Nonglait on Tuesday night, Shylla accused the VPP of rolling back powers of traditional institutions in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
He pointed to the KHADC Act that was introduced and later diluted, removing the requirement for village headmen to certify land.
“Is this not stripping people of their rights? Is this not stripping our headmen of their authority?” he asked.
The minister said the VPP’s brief tenure in the KHADC exposed internal divisions. He noted that within a little over a year of being in power in the council, the Chief Executive Member and several Executive Members had resigned.
“They cannot even hold all four MLAs together for one meeting. Work is not moving forward. Hima Sohra had to raise a protest flag, and young people who were hoping for jobs were let down,” Shylla said.
He warned that if such disarray exists in the district council, the consequences would be far greater at the state level.
“You’ve just begun in the KHADC and there is already so much turmoil. Think about what would happen if you were given Meghalaya to run,” he said.
In contrast, Shylla said the NPP has 32 MLAs but functions with discipline and coordination. He cited Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Home Minister Prestone Tynsong and Chief Minister Conrad Sangma as leaders who speak in one voice.
“Till today we remain a government that works together in peace,” he stated.
Addressing barbs about official vehicles, Shylla clarified that he uses a government-registered ML01 Fortuner, and questioned how the VPP president, who is not in government, affords to travel in a private Fortuner.
Shifting to development, the Jowai MLA highlighted investments in higher education in the region.
He said the state government allocates Rs 2 crore each year to East Jaintia College to support salaries and improve the quality of teaching. He said the absence of medical, engineering colleges and a state university earlier meant parents could not envision professional careers for their children.
“Now under this government, that has changed. Those institutions are becoming a reality,” he said.
Shylla ended by urging constituents to judge parties by their record of governance and delivery, rather than by rhetoric.
By Our Reporter
