JOWAI, JUL 22:NPP candidate Dr DRL Nonglait said he expects to secure a “distinction” from the 1-Nartiang constituency and called on voters to elect an MP from the ruling side in Parliament if they want pending state issues resolved.

Addressing a large gathering during an election campaign held at Ummulong Madan Khawang in West Jaintia Hills on Tuesday night, Dr Nonglait likened the Lok Sabha election to an examination.

He said the Meghalaya seat covers 36 constituencies, which he described as 36 “papers” in the toughest course he has taken.

“As a teacher I used to count the number of papers in an exam. This MP election has 36 papers, and one of them is the 1-Nartiang paper. From 1-Nartiang I expect to get a distinction,” he told the crowd.

He also expressed hope for strong support from the 2-Jowai constituency.

Dr Nonglait said he accepted the NPP’s request to contest not for personal gain, but to work for the people.

He praised the current MDA government in the state as “a government that works,” pointing to development in roads, bridges and education over the last 8 years.

“I look at the government today. It is a working government. In these 8 years of governance we have seen the transformation of villages and towns,” he said.

The candidate stressed that Meghalaya needs stable governance and urged voters to consider the effectiveness of their MP in Delhi.

He argued that key state demands, including inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule and implementation of the Inner Line Permit, have the backing of all political parties in the state.

However, he said, achieving them depends on who represents Meghalaya in Parliament.

“If you want the government to listen, elect an MP from the ruling side,” Dr Nonglait said.

“The job of an MP is to go and participate in Parliament to make laws. To do that a Bill has to be introduced. If it is an official bill brought by the ruling side, everyone will support it. But if you elect an MP who sits in the opposition, he will have to bring a private member bill. Can one person alone make it a law? No. One person standing alone in Parliament cannot make a law.”

He added that the turnout at Ummulong showed support beyond the NPP, but said the message was united: to ensure the people’s candidate wins.

Dr Nonglait also flagged growing challenges faced by youth and families despite development, and said governance must focus on livelihoods and peace in society.