SHILLONG, April 27 - Categorically stating that the National People�s Party (NPP) is a part of the NDA, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today said a lot of development work was undertaken by the NDA in the last five years.
�I think there is no doubt about that fact�We have been working with the NDA,� Sangma said on the sidelines of a programme here today.
Sangma was one of the NDA leaders who accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his filing of nomination for the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat.
The Opposition Congress termed Sangma�s presence at Varanasi as betrayal of the public faith in Meghalaya as the NPP and the BJP had fought the election separately in the State.
Stating that several development activities were undertaken during the five-year rule of the NDA Government, Sangma said fund allocation has increased four to five times in the State.
The Chief Minister said the State has witnessed a tenfold increase of fund allocation under the PMGSY in the past year alone. �PMGSY has seen a tenfold jump in fund allocation from Rs 140 crore to Rs 1,400 crore�I think one must appreciate the work undertaken by the NDA Government,� he said.
Sangma, who threatened to walk out of the NDA over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill controversy, reiterated that his Government would always stand for the rights of the people of the State.
�When it comes to stand for the rights of our people, we will never shy away, but that does not mean that we simply look at things and say that this issue is there and therefore, we are not going to work together any more,� he said.
Sangma said having a strong stand over certain matters and working simultaneously for development is what his Government is striving for.
�We will continue working for development and at the same time, we will ensure that our people�s rights are not affected,� the Chief Minister asserted.
Meanwhile, Sangma said the Cabinet would take a decision on the issue of influx and the best way to ensure that illegal immigrants do not enter the State, next week.
On the table are options including amendment to the Meghalaya Residents� Safety and Security Act, 2016. A discussion on the Inner Line Permit will also be held.
�Protection of the interests of the people is a priority for us. The Government is working hard to curb influx,� he added.
