Shillong, Aug 30: UDP legislator from Ranikor constituency, Pius Marweiñ took oath as member of the tenth Meghalaya Assembly on Thursday and assured that he would do all he can along with the cooperation of the people to uplift the constituency.

Assembly Speaker, Donkupar Roy administered the oath to Marweiñ at his chamber in the Assembly Secretariat at Khyndai Lad here. Deputy Speaker, Timothy D. Shira, ministers and MLAs of the coalition Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government and UDP leaders attended the oath taking ceremony.

The UDP, an ally of the NPP which is leading the MDA government, has seven MLAs in the 60-member Assembly.

Marweiñ was elected in the bye-election held on August 23 and replaced five-time MLA, Martin M Danggo who got defeated as candidate of the NPP after he resigned as the Congress MLA.

Marweiñ told reporters that the claim that his victory in Ranikor was because of the help he got from the opposition Congress was not true at all.

“We cannot say that the Congress has helped us when its candidate could not even pull any votes. Our victory was due to the hardwork and commitment of the party leaders and supporters,” he said.

The Ranikor MLA also said that there was no talk that the party would work in the state with the opposition Congress in view of the victory in Ranikor.

“I am a candidate who won the bye-election as candidate of the UDP and the party is part of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA),” he said.

Marweiñ assured that he would give his best and work for the people of constituency.

Asked about his priorities, Marweiñ said, “I cannot make promises but with the cooperation and support of the people, I am sure that together we can address various problems being faced by the people of the constituency.”

He also admitted that improving road connectivity, health, education and others would be his task where he would take up with the state government.

On coal mining ban, Marweiñ who also represents the area that has huge coal deposits said, “The State government has taken up the issue with the Centre but as elected representative, I would also take up the issue since the ban has affected the people of the area.”