Notwithstanding the statement by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma that the government will not move forward with setting up of casino in the State, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) said this was an attempt to pacify the people, especially the church leaders.
The party stated that the government is determined to go ahead with its decision to introduce casinos in the State because the government never accepted the repeal of the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, when North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum brought the private member’s bill in the just concluded Assembly session.
“There was no clarity in the statement made by the chief minister that the government will repeal this act. He merely mentioned that there will be no further action on the matter,” VPP president Ardent M Basaiawmoit in a statement to the media said.
Pointing out that the chief minister clearly explained that process which has been put in place before will not be done away with, Basaiawmoit said, “This implies that whatever decisions that have been made will stay. It also means that licences that have been issued, as stated by the Minister James Sangma in the floor of the house will remain valid.”
The party also expressed concern over the decision of the government to hold the Cherry Blossom Festival stating that it does not reflect the culture and traditions of the State, but brings in undesirable activities that are detrimental to the society.
“If media reports prove to be right, that the State government will have to avail a loan to meet the expenses of this festival, the people of the State have every right to oppose and question the decision of the government to hold these sorts of festival. The State is already debt ridden and more loans will worsen the financial condition of the State,” the VPP said.
The party further said that those who are at the helm of affairs should stop “wasteful and unproductive activities” for the best interest of the State and its people.
