Social Networking Sites a Hit With Meghalaya Politicians

By Rituraj Borthakur

Shillong, Sep 1 : Popular social networking sites have become a hit with Meghalaya's frontline politicians who swear by their usefulness to stay connected to the masses.

Hailing from both sides of the political divide, the leaders, including Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and Opposition Leader Conrad Sangma, are regular users of the sites.

An avid user of Facebook, Sangma said, “Technology should be utilized to reach out to people and be more accessible to them. Social networking has become a platform for the people to get their voices heard."

Stressing on the time-efficiency factor of the social networking sites, the chief minister, a medical practitioner who still finds time to attend to his patients, advocated the use of technology for the betterment of the state.

Education minister and the lone woman legislator Ampareen Lyngdoh found herself at one with the chief minister. "It is indeed a unique way to interact with the masses as our prime agenda is development of the state,” she said.

Among Lyngdoh's 261 'online friends', there are several students of the state staying outside.
“Students who study outside our state contact me, if they have any problem relating to scholarship or any such. I help them in that case,” she said.

Leader of Opposition Conrad Sangma, said, “It is a great way to connect with the people, but I don't think it is a platform for politics. I believe it is a platform for discussion.”

The senior lot of politicians also have their leaning towards the emerging technologies as in the case of Conrad’s father Purno A Sangma, a former Lok Sabha speaker and currently a state legislator.

The senior Sangma is known for his techno-savvy habits and advocates the use of technology for better changes in life.