Shillong, May 6: Chief Minister and NPP leader Conrad Sangma has downplayed questions about politicising the Khasi language issue by way of giving the ticket to Khasi Authors Society ( KAS) president DRL Nonglait.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the chief minister termed it a moment of pride and a step to safeguard tribal identity, denying politicisation of the issue.
“That is how you look at it. Maybe you think of it in the wrong manner but for us we look at it as a moment of pride, we look at this as an opportunity for us bringing our thoughts, bringing our ideology and bringing our vision together and working together as a team to achieve the same goal and the same purpose that we all are trying to achieve and to be able to ensure that the identity of the tribes of our state is maintained and we do whatever we can to protect it and to nurture it,” Conrad said.
According to Conrad, the KAS president’s work aligned with the government’s objectives.
“This is what Dr Nonglait has been doing throughout his life and career to protect that. This is the objective of the government, and we feel that it is a perfect combination and a perfect teamwork to take our concerns, our positions, our visions and our fight further so that we can achieve the different goals,” the chief minister said.
When asked if the VPP’s rise and sympathy wave posed a challenge for the NPP in the Lok Sabha polls, Conrad said no election could be taken lightly.
“All elections are difficult. I have always maintained this from day one, whenever you asked me any question on any election. So, we don’t take anything lightly. For us, every single party that is there, which is going to contest, is a formidable force for us. We are always prepared and we will ensure that we will do our best and we work hard so that we can win this Lok Sabha election,” he said
