Barely two weeks into his new role, 40-year-old Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma says he has realised running the government would be a tough job, but asserts he is "here to take over and do my best" to spur development.
In a state that faces pressing financial and administrative challenges, Sangma, in an exclusive interview to PTI, said the priority of his government would be to bring about administrative discipline and a new work culture for faster delivery of services to the people.
"There are a lot of challenges ahead," he said, "financial, implementation challenges, administrative challenges. And there are some issues that require immediate attention."
Sangma said, "I don't want to be seen as a person who is forcing people but I think it is important that we as leaders lead by example."
Asked about role of the BJP in the government, Sangma said, "This is NPP led government and all other parties are stakeholders and equal partners in it."
"I am not here to blame anybody in the past. I am here to take over and I will do my best."
"This way," he said, "the Central government and everybody will realise that this government is serious about development business."
"We want to create necessary manpower and cells within the public works department to strengthen the PMGSY wing apart from trying to get other projects through which we can focus on road connectivity in the rural areas."
When asked about the difference between the NPP and the Congress, which his father P A Sangma was originally a member of, Sangma said, "The Congress has a top-to-bottom approach. We truly believe not in high command but in a command that is going to be decided by a majority."
Reacting to the two churches rejecting Union tourism ministry's Swadesh Darshan Scheme earlier this year, he said, "I think it is my responsibility, the state and the central government's responsibility to raise this issue and find out ways to clarify the concerns and how to move forward."
Defending the government's offer to uplift the surroundings in the Church under the scheme, he said, "This is not any particular organisation giving you (church) money. It is the Government of India that is giving money. I feel that we should take it positively and any developmental work meant for our people should be welcomed."