SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said it is not appropriate to take every issue to the streets, especially when democratic and constitutional platforms are available for discussion, adding that it was “sad” that those who demanded detailed deliberations failed to attend the meeting themselves.
Sangma made the remarks when asked about the absence of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) from the all-party meeting convened to discuss the report and recommendations of the Expert Committee on the state’s Reservation Policy.
He said that in a parliamentary democracy, the Legislative Assembly is the highest democratic institution, as it is the platform where issues affecting the people of the state are formally discussed. Therefore, he said, political parties must act in both word and deed in accordance with constitutional and democratic principles.
The Chief Minister said that after the government tabled the Expert Committee’s report and recommendations in the Assembly, some opposition MLAs had demanded an all-party meeting for a more detailed discussion. He added that he convened the meeting in fulfilment of the assurance he had given on the floor of the House.
However, Sangma said some political parties later informed him that they would not be able to attend because they had other “more important engagements”.
He stressed that when parties take up an issue, they should pursue it seriously and constructively, especially when democratic forums for discussion are available, instead of “simply taking to the streets for every issue”.
