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In a boost to the National People's Party in Meghalaya ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, former minister and Congress leader Manirul Islam Sarkar today joined the party at a public rally in the West Garo Hills district, NPP officials said.
Islam joined the NPP with his supporters at Chibinang in the West Garo Hills at a rally which was addressed by P A Sangma and senior party leaders, James Sangma, the NPP spokesperson said.
Sangma also addressed another rally at Rajabala in the district, which is considered to be a stronghold of the ruling Congress.
Islam had represented Chibinang area which comes under the Phulbari constituency held by Speaker Abu Taher Mondal.
In his address at both places, Sangma urged the people to vote for change.
"Are we ready for a change which the whole country is looking for? You have to consider me for a change," Sangma was quoted as saying at both the rallies.
Accusing the Congress for moving a ban on the minority population in the plains to contest and vote in the district council elections of the state, Sangma said he would defend the rights they enjoy in the Garo Hills.
"How can they (Congress) do such a thing? I will ensure this never happens as the Parliament has to amend the Sixth schedule. I will have the BJP and NDA on my side," he said.
Hitting out at Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, the NPP supremo squarely blamed him for lack of development in the plains and increase in militancy-related crimes in the Garo Hills region.
"Development approach has to be holistic and inclusive," he said, adding development cannot take place when traders are kidnapped, killed and extorted.
