Shillong, Feb 11: National People’s Party (NPP) state president and deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong has asked the opposition political parties to find out from where the NPP-led government is getting over Rs 38,000 crore to ensure all round development of the state.

“They have been throwing all sorts of allegations against Prestone and against Conrad but I would like to advise them to also allege from where the NPP, Prestone and Conrad has looted to bring so much development to Meghalaya. They should find out from where we get crores of rupees for the development of the state,” Tynsong said while addressing an election campaign at Umthli village to drum up support for the party candidate from Langkyrdem-Laitkroh Rahboklang Tynsong on Monday night.

“From the day that we took over the government in Meghalaya, we have been able to bring not less than Rs 38,000 crore for ensuring all round development through the different departments and agencies of the government in the interest and welfare of the people and the state. However, it is sad to see that the manifesto of the other political parties, especially the newly floated party, is aimed only at attacking the good works of this government,” he added.

Tynsong also assured that his party will take necessary steps to further strengthen the autonomous district councils (ADCs) and empower the traditional chiefs and traditional institutions if voted back to power in the ADC elections, slated to be held on February 21.

“We want to further strengthen the rich tradition and custom of the indigenous community, land rights and traditional governance by empowering the traditional institutions. However, it is unfortunate to see and hear about somebody threatening to file FIR against traditional heads (which is an attempt to weaken them) but I will tell you even ECI gives the powers of the dorbar shnong due recognition during election times,” he said.

He also questioned the attempt to dilute the matrilineal system by other political parties especially “those who encourage people to take their father’s surname. What will happen to our future generation if we allow this.”

“Therefore, I urge the people not to be misled and that people should not allow any attempt to dilute our rich culture and tradition,” he added.

Tynsong further claimed that the NPP-led government along with the executive committee in the KHADC had passed the Land Act for protecting the land rights of the indigenous people and said, “we want to further strengthen this Act.”

“There are attempts to mislead the people but the NPP is taking this issue very seriously. Despite allegations against the NPP, we are growing. We have been able to provide stability. Prior to 2018, toppling games were so much in the state. But since the NPP took over the government, the issue of toppling game has totally disappeared,” he said while adding “This is because there is no infighting within the NPP family unlike the other parties particularly the newly floated party, there is complete division among its MLAs which led to misunderstanding in the allotment of tickets for the ADC elections.”

The NPP state chief also spoke about the mushrooming of regional parties which will only further divide the people of the region.

“I was thinking the newly floated party, which won 4 seats, had it been that they work with the UDP, HSPDP – they almost have the numbers with them to form the government but because that they love the jaidbynriew so much, they want to further divide the jaidbynriew (by floating new parties). So, it is for you to judge. I came out of Congress and I went to NPP. I feel that all of you should come forward and support the NPP because we are a united party, that is why the blessings are overflowing in the state of Meghalaya.”

Further, the deputy chief minister said that the government has assured government jobs for three athletes, who have won medals and brought laurels to the state in the 38th National Games.

“We encourage youth to excel in their sports discipline. However, there are parties claiming that if people vote for them, they will give you a job but I say don’t believe them they are only fooling you,” he stated.

According to him, the government is also focusing on strengthening the SHGs for empowering the women folks. The number of SHGs has increased from a small number of 5,000 to 50,000 during the past seven years.

Read: Don’t get carried away by propaganda, Conrad tell voters in Nongstoin

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