Chilenga face backlash over remarks in parliament

 Chilenga's development claims spark controversy 

By Kondwani Nyondo

Chitipa South Member of Parliament, Werani Chilenga, has sparked controversy after attributing development projects in his constituency to the Tonse Alliance government, a claim the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) insists is misleading.

Speaking in Parliament today during his response to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered in Parliament by president Lazarus Chakwera, Chilenga criticized the previous administration for failing Malawians.

"If I say the previous government failed, I mean the DPP," he said.


                                              Chilenga during parliament session

However, his remarks were swiftly challenged by Leader of the House, George Chaponda, who accused Chilenga of distorting facts.

Chaponda argued that some of the projects Chilenga praised the Tonse government for were initiated under the DPP administration.

He said: "In the constituency where Chilenga comes from, Tonse Alliance has not done anything. The rural growth center he mentioned was a DPP project. Madam Speaker, let the honorable member withdraw his statement because it is not true."

Despite the pushback, Chilenga maintained his stance, further commending  Chakwera's administration for securing a contractor to begin the long-awaited construction of the Nyika-Chitipa road.

His  comments have drawn sharp criticism from his own constituents, particularly in the Nthalire Citizen WhatsApp group, a platform where residents discuss development in Chitipa South.

One participant labeled the MP as an opportunist, accusing him of shifting political allegiance to align with ruling parties.

"He has always wanted to be on the side of the ruling party. This is the same person who, in 2019, praised the DPP for delivering development. Now he says the DPP did nothing—what does he mean? Shame on our lawmaker," the message read from Chindikani Sichinga.

Chilenga’s political career has been marked by party shifts.

He was first elected to Parliament on a People’s Party (PP) ticket when Joyce Banda was President. 

Following PP’s defeat, he joined the DPP, under whose banner he was re-elected. 

Late last year, he defected to the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and has since been vocal in his praise of President Chakwera.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Towers of justice