The United Democratic Party (UDP) today asked people of the Rajabala constituency to not be cowed by the alleged threats being issued by National People’s Party (NPP) leaders and workers.
Several complaints were apparently made to the UDP leaders, who visited the plains belt areas of the constituency where various UDP party workers and voters have been threatened with transfers, removal from Village Employment Council functions, dealerships as well as job card work.
“They are threatening you to vote for them. Some have been threatened with transfer and some with their fair price shops being shut. They have only four ministers while we have eight. How will they transfer teachers when we have the Education Minister in our midst?” asked local UDP leader Cary Marak during the meeting.
The UDP today held small meetings across the plains belt in an effort to bolster their chances of a win in the coming by-election on October 30.
Senior UDP leader, Utpal Arengh, who is also a local of the area, asked voters to ensure the UDP wins the seat so that development will once again come to Rajabala through their candidate.
“The Congress will sit in the opposition, so there is no point in voting for them. The UDP has been one of the main reasons why so much development has taken place in many of the constituencies. We assure you that your voices will not go unheard if Ashahel wins,” said Arengh.
Reminding the people of the work he had done when he was the MLA of Rajabala between 2013-18, Ashahel D Shira assured the people of ensuring peace and prosperity if he is back as their representative.
“We will work together and bring change. My work is not to threaten you or speak ill about other parties. My father as well as my grandmother have served this constituency as have I. I have come to serve and that is why I am asking you to vote for me – to serve you,” said Ashahel while speaking to the voters.
Home Minister, Lakhmen Rymbui was clear that it was only on the agenda of development that the UDP was focused on.
“We will not threaten you for your vote. Your vote is yours and no amount of threat should force you to vote for someone,” said Rymbui.
He mentioned the case of independent MLA, Samuel Sangma of Baghmara, who just by being an associate member of the party was able to bring in big change for his constituency through various projects.
The UDP leaders have confirmed that they will continue their push in the coming days as the day of voting draws near, with more visits in the offing to the constituency.
