The Hynñiewtrep Youths Council (HYC) has accused the National People’s Party (NPP) of using a state government event to market the party to the masses.
On Friday, the foundation stone for the Nongstoiñ-Maweit Road was laid. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Nongstoiñ MLA Macmillan Byrsat, Mawshynrut MLA Gigur Myrthong, Rambrai-Jyrngam MDC Bajop Pyngrope and others were present on the occasion.
The NPP publicised the event on its social media channels, conflating the foundation stone laying ceremony with a party meeting where NPP flags were proudly displayed.
“It is sad that the Chief Minister, who is to represent the state as a whole and work for the welfare of people in an unbiased manner, is using a government platform to market his political party. This is totally unacceptable and should be condemned by one and all,” said HYC general secretary Roykupar Synrem. “The same venue was used to officially lay the foundation stone and to hold the so-called party meeting. Now the question is, can a party promote a narrow political agenda at a government event or for that matter at the same venue of the official programme of the government?”
The HYC called it a gross misuse of power by the ruling party and a blatant attempt to manipulate the residents ahead of the state elections, which have to be held by March 2023.
Synrem added that improvement of civic infrastructure and overall development is the prime responsibility of any elected government and not a favour done for the people. “The funds for the projects are from the public exchequer and not from any political party. Had it been from the private fund of a political party, then we have no issue at all. But taxpayers’ money is not meant for political advertising by any party,” he said. “We strongly condemn the NPP’s attempt or for that matter any political party in power, to politicise the state’s development projects and mislead the people through propagation of their own party’s flags.”
