SHILLONG, OCT 29: Calling his induction a homecoming, former UDP MLA from Mawkyrwat Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar on Wednesday said even the Opposition admits that the NPP government is the best when it comes to development.
Tongkhar was formally inducted into the NPP along with Paul Lyngdoh and Nujorki Sungoh.
“My father is more than 80 years old but he is here to support the induction, along with my wife, sisters, brothers and all my children,” he said.
On questions over his switch, Tongkhar said, “We may have different reasons but we are the same in taking the decision to join NPP – myself, Paul Lyngdoh and Nujorki Sungoh. I have been sitting here since 2012, Chief Minister showed me a photo of 2012, so that would be the biggest answer. For me joining NPP is nothing but a comeback home.”
“God has led us this way so I got the opportunity to be with NPP today. I just want to say to the Chief Minister, we have been together during bad times and I deserve to be together during good times. I am happy that even if it took us a few years, we got the opportunity today to meet again in the NPP family,” he said.
Praising the leadership, he said, “I am not here to condemn other leaders of other parties, they have their own quality and capacity, but we have seen leadership in the NPP. When I look at the three leaders – Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Deputy CMs Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar – I could see one strong man who has a brain full of wisdom and who has two very strong shoulders who can bear any load.”
“There were rumours that the NPP may break, I said nothing will happen until and unless these three have different ideas and opinions. Nobody can break NPP. As long as unity stands firm between these three, NPP will remain a very strong party,” he said.
“You will be surprised that even the Opposition says if we talk about development, this government is the best government ever,” he added.
Tongkhar said development was the main reason for his decision and appealed to youth to witness it.
“Politics is all about bringing development and change. Leaders not only we three but before also opted to join NPP because of the development we have seen with our eyes. I urge young citizens to travel Meghalaya to see development in every nook and corner. For Khasi-Jaintia, go to New Shillong and see how much change has taken place. Many who have not travelled still say we are the same,” he said.
“Mawkyrwat has also seen many developments, which is why I am here today, and more will come,” he said.
