Pius took oath as Ranikor MLA

SHILLONG, AUG 30: UDP’s giant killer Pius Marwein today took oath as the new MLA of Ranikor constituency.

Marwein was elected in the bye-election held on August 23 and replaced former five-time Martin M Danggo, who represented the constituency for 20 years.

The oath was administered to him by the Assembly Speaker Donkupar Roy at his office chamber in the city on Thursday.

The ceremony was also attended by UDP leaders and MDA partners from the National People’s Party (NPP) and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking after taking oath, Marwein denied the allegations that the opposition Congress has helped him to win the seat in the just concluded bye-election.

“We cannot say that the Congress has helped us when its candidate could not even pull any votes during the election. Our victory is because of the hardwork and commitment of the party’s leaders and supporters,” he said. The Congress’ candidate secured less than 1000 votes.

Asked, the newly elected Ranikor MLA said that there is no such talks that the party would work with the opposition Congress in Ranikor or in the state.

“I am a candidate who won the bye-election from the UDP and the party at present is main ally of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA),” he said.

Assuring that he would give his best to work and serve the people of constituency, Marwein said, “I cannot make any promises but with the cooperation and support of the people, I am sure that together we can address the various problems faced by the constituency.”

Spelling out his priorities, the new Ranikor MLA said that he would be taking up issues relating to poor road connectivity, health, education and others with the state government.

“I would also take up the issue relating to the ongoing ban on coal mining in the state which has also affected the people of the region,” he said.

By Our Reporter