Shillong, Aug 3: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar today appealed to political parties to engage the government in dialogue instead of organising protest marches, saying elected representatives have direct access to the government and should use that avenue to address public concerns.
His remarks came in response to the opposition Voice of the People Party’s (VPP) proposed march to the Secretariat on August 6.
Addressing reporters, Dhar said the state government remains open to discussions with all political parties and that any issue can be taken up directly with the Chief Minister through meetings or by submitting a memorandum.
“There is no need for them to take out a march. They can come, submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister and we can sit together and discuss the matter. That is how the government functions,” he said.
Dhar maintained that elected representatives, whether MLAs or MDCs, should utilise their mandate to engage with the government instead of mobilising the public over matters that could be resolved through official discussions.
“The doors of the government are always open. Any MLA or MDC has every right to meet the Chief Minister and raise issues affecting the people,” he said.
The Deputy CM also said the VPP would be welcome to send a small delegation for talks, noting that the government has consistently engaged with organisations and groups through discussions whenever concerns have been raised.
“If we have to bring people to the Secretariat over every small issue, then what is the purpose of electing representatives? We have been chosen by the people to take up their concerns with the government. It is our responsibility to meet the government and seek solutions, not to call people for protests over issues that can be discussed,” Dhar said.
