Shillong, Sept 8: After a gap of 13 years from politics, former Meghalaya Home Minister and a Congress leader, RG Lyngdoh has decided to make a comeback in politics.
Lyngdoh was known for his exemplary way of dealing with law and order and also his courage in handling the militancy during his tenure as Home Minister.
Speaking with a group of media persons on Wednesday, Lyngdoh said that it was after a lot of pressure from senior and young ones that he decided to join since be couldn’t say no after their requests.
“Seeing the prevailing situation on all fronts, a lot of people were apprehensive about what the future would bring. So they came and talked with me. They all had the same frustrations asking me to come back,” said Lyngdoh.
Lyngdoh added that it was also because of newly elected state Congress President Vincent H Pala that he decided to join. He said that it was one of the factors since Pala had stretched out his hands and asked him to come back and that was the final push.
Asked how Congress was back then and now and if there is a chance for them to win 2023 elections, Lyngdoh said he was hopeful and would also lend his hand in every way possible to help.
“The difference with now is the current President is a team player. He (Pala) likes to consult and bring people into the loop, which is a good trend and maybe that was missing in the past and that can do the trick,” said Lyngdoh.
Asked why not join independent parties, he said that it is difficult in a democracy to really deliver. One needs a lobby and backing to get things done, he stated.
“With regional parties I had talked with them, but I find they are living more in the past than in the future. I doubt their capability to deliver and I am more comfortable with the Congress,” said Lyngdoh.
As for not opting for NPP was because it was leading the state in the wrong direction. He added that as for BJP he suspects their ideology.
“ I don’t believe in uniform country. Afterall our country is unity in diversity and that diversity is what makes our country strong and beautiful. Now to remove that diversity and have only one people, that would kill the spirit of India,” mentioned Lyngdoh.
He added that the he cannot do it alone to make a difference but as a team they can do a lot. “The idea is to make the party relevant. People have to see a future by investing their votes in the party. We have to be able to project that. We have to know what the people from different walks of life is aspiring for and we have to be able to listen and reflect these genes in our manifesto,” said Lyngdoh.
He further stated that he is not looking for power or glory. He was looking to get into a team that will be able to deliver according to what the people need.
