Shillong: Vincent H. Pala, president of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee, accused Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar of deploying bribes and threats to sway voters. Pala claims Dhar offered Rs 20 lakh to residents in a village to secure their support for the National People's Party in upcoming elections. He says the tactics include direct intimidation regarding the consequences of voting against the NPP.
Pala spent recent days in Dhar’s constituency. He heard reports of residents facing pressure over their ballots. "He went to the village, he told the village, take Rs 20 lakh and you should vote. If you don’t vote, I will see how it will be," Pala said. The MPCC chief argues that such behavior proves the ruling party prioritizes winning power over actually governing the state.
Political meddling is hitting the grassroots. Ministers are now active in local headman elections, specifically in Jandahil. Pala contends this environment of coercion harms law and order. The Deputy Chief Minister did not respond to requests for comment, and these claims remain unverified.
Pala also raised alarms about the state’s coal mining industry. He questioned who will ultimately control the extraction of resources in the Jaintia, West Khasi, and Garo Hills. He warned that without transparent revenue systems, the public will not see the profits from these minerals. Pala criticized the BJP for failing to deliver on their promise to resume mining within 180 days, urging the public to focus on action instead of political rhetoric.
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