SHILLONG, SEPT 26: Hill State People Democratic Party leader and Cabinet Minister Methodius Dkhar on Saturday dismissed speculation of instability in the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance following the defection of eight UDP MLAs to the BJP, asserting that the government remains strong and faces no threat of collapse.
“There are many narratives and considerable confusion among the people, with some suggesting that the government may collapse. I want to assure the people that the government remains strong. As of now, there is no threat of its collapse,” Dkhar, MLA from Mawshynrut and Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, said.
Reaffirming his party’s support to the coalition, Dkhar said the HSPDP’s decision to back the MDA was taken after comprehensive discussion and will hold till the end of the term.
“We have had faith in the leadership of the Chief Minister since the day we decided to support the government. That decision was taken after a comprehensive discussion, and I believe we will stand by it until the end of the present term,” he said.
On whether the BJP’s expanded strength would give it greater leverage in the government, Dkhar declined to speculate, saying every party has its own aims and strategy.
The minister said he was satisfied with the functioning of the coalition and that sincere efforts were being made to improve the state’s economy and address sectoral issues.
“We joined the government with the objective of serving the people. We cannot claim that every problem has been resolved, but sincere efforts are being made by all concerned,” he said.
Dkhar added that the HSPDP would not dilute its ideology irrespective of its position.
“Our party’s aims and objectives will always remain intact. We will neither change nor compromise our stand. Whether we are in the government or outside it, we will continue to uphold our ideology and raise matters concerning the people and the state,” he said, adding that governance is a collective responsibility and not dependent on one individual.
