NPP and BJP not bhai bhai, we work together for development: Sniawbhalang Dhar

SHILLONG, OCT 6: Campaigning for NPP’s Shillong bypoll candidate Dr. DRL Nonglait at Nongspung, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said voting NPP is not voting BJP, but voting for a channel to Delhi. Addressing the NPP Mawphlang block meeting on Tuesday, Dhar said, “People say NPP and BJP are bhai bhai. That is not true. They are two political parties with different ideology. We work with BJP for development because as a small state we need the Centre.” He said doubts that arise in a general election do not apply to a bypoll. “Don’t be misled. This is a by-election. Dr Nonglait is the candidate of the party that rules the government. We need our own person in Delhi to raise state issues,” he said. Dhar used the Mawphlang-Balat-Ranikor road to counter black flag protests that had rocked Welloi and surrounding areas. “Everyone from Welloi to Ranikor was tired. They showed black flags demanding a highway. Past governments only did repair work. Now over Rs 400 crore has been sanctioned and work from Welloi-Balat-Umpung-Ranikor is going on as I speak,” he said. He listed Nongstoin-Maweit as another major sanction of “more than Rs 1100 crore” and said first 22 km and second 22 km stretch of Rs 160 crore is almost done, besides Rs 400 crore for Nongstoin-Kulang-Nongjri. On the charge that NPP is biased, Dhar said projects under Rs 1000 crore were given even to UDP and HSPDP MLAs’ constituencies. He also cited his decision as Transport Minister to waive vehicle dues during COVID, saying data showed 1.7 lakh vehicles had defaulted and total dues had touched Rs 1300 crore. “We calculated Rs 150 crore penalty and understood 3-4 lakh people would starve. We waived Rs 850 crore. We don’t just speak, we act,” he said. Pitching Nonglait as a leader in the mould of late Bah Hoping Stone Lyngdoh, Dhar said Nonglait has assured to take up Nongspung-Lait Nongrim road. “Some talk big but are like an empty pot that makes noise. Dr Nonglait is a pot full of water. He will not make noise, he will work,” Dhar added.