Lok Sabha MP and State Congress president Vincent H. Pala today announced his decision to contest the 2023 Assembly elections.
Speaking to this reporter, Pala said that he would contest from Sutnga-Saipung constituency which according to him is the largest constituency in the State.
“For the last three months, I have toured through the length and breadth of Sutnga-Saipung constituency and visited almost all villages. My preparations to contest the election are almost completed and I am sure to win,” Pala said.
“It is not easy to leave my responsibility as an MP but during my tour of the constituency, many people wanted me to contest the upcoming Assembly elections. I have confidence to win but at the same time I have to work hard,” he added.
Pala also said that during his tour of the constituency he found that there is lack of development especially in terms of road connectivity.
He also said that many villages in the border including those in Saipung area, Sumer Elaka and Narpuh Elaka are yet to have good roads or yet to be connected with roads.
On illegal coal mining and transportation, Pala blamed the State government for making no efforts to ensure that coal is mined legally. He said that a lot of money has been made illegally from illegal transportation of coal.
“I have been told that you have to pay Rs 95,000 per truck only in Meghalaya and Rs 30,000 in Assam,” he said.
As far as coke factories located in East Jaiñtia Hills are concerned, Pala said that during his visits to Narwan, Sutnga, Moopala, Tluh, Latyrke and other areas, people complained that the smoke from coke plants has affected their health, the trees and the air.
“This is all because of the fault of the government which gave licenses to coke factories randomly. Many of these coke factories are operated through Benami. Even the headmen that gave permission for the coke factories have now regretted their decision. If I am elected as an MLA, I will take steps to correct all this. Only coke plants that conform to laws would be allowed to run,” Pala said.
