SHILLONG, Jan 21 ? It is promises galore for the people of Meghalaya in the poll manifesto of the Congress released here this morning. The party, if it gains the mandate of the people in the ensuing Assembly elections is pledge-bound to make the dream of Meghalaya as a land of peace and prosperity a living reality.
Former Chief Minister and Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president SC Marak, releasing the manifesto, however admitted ?whatever we had promised to the people in the last manifesto could not be implemented. He, however, qualified his admission by claiming ?it is not possible in a coalition government.?
?The Congress has never been allowed to rule the state. We had to compromise on our manifesto as we were a part of coalition governments? another veteran party leader and Deputy Chief Minister in the present coalition government, DD Lapang butted in. He added ?This is all the more reason for the people to elect a single party government in the state.?
When newsmen pointed out that the Congress as a partner in the government was equally responsible for the aberrations, Marak agreed ?we share the blame for mistakes. Mistakes committed by the past government will be rectified if we are elected to power.?
Refusing to project anybody as the party?s chief ministerial candidate amidst reports of a tussle for the top post between Marak and Lapang, the party chief said. ?The elected representatives will choose their leader.? Coming to the main focus of the poll manifesto, Marak stated ?our main planks will be political stability, secularism, self-reliance and accountability and transparency.?