SHILLONG : Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Charles Pyngrope has said development works should continue to benefit the public regardless of who gets the political credit, TMC MLA Charles Pyngrope said on Thursday, while insisting that elected representatives should remain the primary channel for constituency proposals.
However, he stressed that elected representatives should remain the primary point of contact for development matters and that proposals should ordinarily be routed through the sitting MLA.
Speaking to reporters, Pyngrope said people should approach their elected MLA whenever they face problems in their constituency, regardless of whether the legislator belongs to the ruling party or the opposition.
“At the end of the day, let the people judge. Anyone can take the credit, but as an elected MLA, it is my responsibility to raise issues relating to roads, drinking water, healthcare and other public needs,” he said .
When asked whether the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government was giving greater importance to aspiring candidates in opposition-held constituencies, Pyngrope said he had not personally experienced such a situation. But, he maintained that sidelining elected representatives would not be a healthy democratic practice.
He said Dorbar Shnongs and Rangbah Shnongs seeking development projects should submit their proposals through the elected MLA rather than bypassing the representative.
“As long as my people benefit, I do not mind whether the assistance comes through an aspiring candidate or a government official,” he said.
Pyngrope said his concern has always been the welfare of the people and not who receives political credit for development works.
He also pointed out that government schemes such as the Special Rural Works Programme and the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund already exist to support development across constituencies.
“The government cannot deny basic amenities to people simply because they did not support the ruling party. Roads, drinking water and healthcare are fundamental services that every citizen is entitled to receive,” he said.
He added that while financial constraints may affect the pace of development, the government has a responsibility to distribute resources fairly and ensure that no section of society is deprived of essential public services.
