SHILLONG, OCT 3: Meghalaya’s Health Minister and Spokesperson for the MDA 2 Government, Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, made a passionate plea on Thursday, urging the public and political critics to stop condemning the children, spouses, and relatives of politicians in the name of nepotism. She emphasized that many have worked hard and deserve recognition for their contributions.
“What do you mean nepotism? Doesn’t performance count? Doesn’t experience count?” Dr. Lyngdoh asked, addressing critics. She expressed frustration at the blanket criticisms politicians often face. “Please stop condemning us. We are not bad people. We have done so much in our own respective capacities, and to just throw us out of the system and say ‘we condemn you’ is so painful. I think every politician will feel what I’m feeling. All bureaucrats are allowed to continue in various capacities—why should politicians not be allowed? I feel very bad. This is very wrong.”
As the daughter of the late Peter G. Marbaniang, a prominent parliamentarian, and the sister of Robert Garnett Lyngdoh, a former Home Minister of Meghalaya, Lyngdoh has firsthand experience with the criticisms political families face. She questioned why nepotism is used to discredit qualified politicians, especially when they have proven themselves. “What do you want us to do? When we bring unqualified people, you say they are not qualified. Please sometimes view politicians for their own merit and the ground they stand on. Yes, we are a political class, but are you going to condemn us all the time? Are you forgetting the contributions that politicians have made to the state of Meghalaya?”
She challenged the public’s perspective, pointing out that politicians also have ambitions and serve the state. “Why is it such a problem if a person from a political family is chosen by the people? We are also human, and our ambition is directed toward service to the state and the nation. Why is it that people are so mean to us? This has to end.”
Defending former MP Agatha Sangma, Lyngdoh questioned why Sangma’s qualifications should be overlooked simply because she comes from a political family. “If a candidate happens to be a three-time MP and is qualified to take up the post of chairperson of the Child Commission, will you deny that person just because she is someone’s sister? You’ll forget the three terms of MPship that she has given to the state. Though we come from the political representative class, we are also human beings. If I retire tomorrow and someone calls me to contribute my services, are you going to say, ‘Don’t give it to her’?”
Agatha Sangma, the daughter of the late P.A. Sangma, a former Chief Minister and Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and the sister of current Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, was also defended by Lyngdoh for her experience and qualifications. “Disqualify me on level playing ground, but don’t disqualify me because I’m someone’s sister, wife, or husband. This is very wrong. I feel very strongly about this.”
Lyngdoh called on the public to give people like Agatha Sangma a fair chance, asserting that they are the right fit for their roles. “Have you given this person a chance, or have you already condemned her? Please don’t do this—it’s not fair.”
Dr. Lyngdoh reiterated her appeal for fair treatment, stating, “Please stop condemning us. We work very hard to be in the positions we have earned. Don’t write us off like this. It’s not fair.”