Himanta lashes out at CM

Tura, Jan 6: Assam’s Fince Minister and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convener Himanta Sarma has lashed out at Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma during a rally against the Congress-led government at Tikrikilla in West Garo Hills.

Addressing the gathering, Sarma termed Sangma “a contractor” and “not a leader”.

Beginning his tirade in front of over-20,000 people who gathered for the maiden rally of BJP tiol president Amit Shah, Sarma said, “Mukul has been at the helm for a long time, however, there are no roads in Tikrikilla. There are also no medical or engineering colleges though foundations stones were laid. The only thing that has happened is the development of Mukul Sangma who has eaten all the money meant for the development of Meghalaya. Mukul Sangma is not a leader but a contractor.”

Sarma said the BJP’s agenda for development was all-encompassing, though the same did not seem the case in Meghalaya.

“In the 19 States that the BJP is ruling, employees are getting their salaries as per the 7th Pay Commission. In Meghalaya, however, the teachers are being deprived of their rightful salaries. You can also see how much of corruption there has been in the government through the Education Scam,” he said.

According to him, the people seemed to be waiting for the Congress government to get out so that the BJP can come in its place.

“I can promise you that, if the BJP comes to power, we will begin work on a new medical college in Meghalaya. We will initiate road development at the earliest,” said Sarma.

Hitting out the dysty politics in Meghalaya, Sarma said, “We will try and ensure that the people are able to identify themselves, not through the likes of Mukul Sangma or James Sangma, but themselves. Meghalaya is none’s father’s property. We will have to ensure that we give a new direction to the development of Meghalaya.”

Talking about the state of infrastructure, Sarma said, “People are crying due to bad roads. If you call the 108 emergency service, you are not sure when it will arrive. Even in government health centres there is lack of medicines for patients. All this is due to Mukul Sangma doing contract work and taking half the amount to his own house,” he alleged.

Lambasting the Chief Minister, NEDA convener said, “Today, Mukul Sangma is not known as the CM of Meghalaya but as a contractor. He has no other identity now.”

Sarma downplayed the accusations made by the Congress of the BJP being Hindu-centric while also cautioning the people against the Congress projecting the party as commul.

“Tomorrow Mukul Sangma can come to you and say that if the BJP comes to power it will not allow people of a community to develop. Mukul Sangma is not the contractor for any religion. I can assure you that the entire country, whether he or she is a Hindu, Christian or Muslim, will live together and develop together. You should not believe Mukul Sangma’s words,” he said.

“If he really believes in religion, why did he not develop his own State? Why did he not work for the church, mosque or temple?” asked Sarma.