Shillong, Dec 16: Cabinet minister and National People’s Party (NPP) MLA Timothy D Shira on Tuesday expressed confidence that the ruling party will secure a majority in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections scheduled for next year, citing what he described as major achievements of the present council.
Shira said the NPP, which is in power both at the state level and in the GHADC, has addressed long-pending issues that had severely affected the council in the past. He pointed out that employees of the GHADC had faced non-payment of salaries for nearly 42 months before the present government intervened.
“The chief minister, through his wisdom, arranged for the payment of 12 months of pending salaries in one go. He has also assured that from the coming months, salaries will be paid regularly,” Shira said, calling it a significant achievement of the current dispensation.
Responding to criticism from the opposition, the minister said allegations are a part of political life and are often used to undermine the work of the ruling party. However, he maintained that the people are aware of the contributions made by the government.
“Even when good work is done, there will always be criticism. That is the role of the opposition, but people know who is doing what,” he said.
Expressing confidence ahead of the elections, Shira said he does not foresee any major challenges for the party and is optimistic about the NPP retaining power in the GHADC.
