SHILLONG, SEPT 6: Deputy Chief Minister and NPP national vice president Sniawbhalang Dhar has said the NPP-led government does not get distracted by criticism and continues to work for the people without discrimination.
Campaigning at Maweit for Shillong Lok Sabha by-poll candidate Dr DRL Nonglait, Dhar said the opposition brands NPP as a high-handed and corrupt government.
“Some say NPP is a high-handed government, a government that steals. I want to clarify – however much you talk, we don’t care because we have developed thick skin. We need to work. The more you criticize us, the more we work for the public. That is the NPP-led government,” he said.
Dhar said development cannot be done overnight and is implemented phase by phase.
“Like for example civil sub-division – if we give a block, what will that block do alone? If we give a college but there are no teachers, who will come? That is why leaders do things phase by phase,” he said.
He cited road projects to show that the government is unbiased.
“Many of these constituencies are represented by UDP and HSPDP, but we still give projects. This proves NPP is not partial. I am not saying other MLAs don’t work, but NPP listens to the cries of the public,” he said.
On the NPP’s alliance with the BJP, Dhar said working together for development should not be linked to religion.
“They say NPP works hard but because it works with BJP, it is not good. Just because we work with BJP, will we convert to BJP’s religion? That is wrong. We work with BJP to bring development to improve people’s lives,” he said.
“Dr Nonglait is Presbyterian, I am from another faith. Does that mean I will convert? No. Religion is separate, politics is separate,” he added.
Dhar also took a swipe at parties raising the ‘love for community’ slogan without delivering on the ground.
“There are parties who say they love the community. Love has many types. A father can say he loves his wife and children, but without rice at home, it is not love. If an MLA says he loves the people but does no work, it is not love,” he said.
He said change is visible in Mawshynrut area and urged people to continue supporting the NPP for more development.
