Thousands jump BJP bandwagon, join Congress

ITAGAR, Feb 17: In a significant political development in this politically fragile Himalayan State, thousands of people of Lekang Assembly constituency in msai district belonging to BJP joined with the Congress in a rally organized at Mahadevpur on Friday.

Lekang constituency is represented by Deputy Chief Minister Chow Mein.

Aruchal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Takam Sanjoy who attended the rally, while reciprocating the gesture termed it as mass awakening for prosperity of the State.  

"The people, particularly youth are hardworking and energetic, but the local leader despite being elected repeatedly never cared for his voters leading to their present horrible living condition," Sanjoy said.

"You have revolted justifiably to demand your rights," he said, citing example of Woman Interim group president Lokheswari Mili (Taye) and former minister Bida Taku, who have highlighted as to how funds meant for Lekang and Mahadevpur were reportedly diverted.

"Congress party is ready to stand by you," Sanjoy said.

Sanjoy, who chaired the high-powered committee on grant of Land Possession Certificate (LPC) recently, said that he had submitted the report to the State Government recommending grant of permanent residential certificate (PRC) forthwith, but the Government is yet to act.

"All of you including men and women, PR leaders have to unite to launch the agitation to achieve success," he exhorted.

"BJP adept in breaking the society, which world's largest and oldest party Congress has been uniting and integrating," Sanjoy said and advocated non-violence agitation following Gandhian spirit.

It was tell-all stories of Sitapuri, Eraloni, Kopatoni, Wisali, Krishpur, Kalgudi, Mahaloni, Dharampur, Mahadevpur I to IV villagers under Lekang circle whose prolonged agonies came to limelight, when their leaders one after another earlier went on explaining their sufferings.

"We are Moran, Deori, Mishing, Adivasi, Motok, Moran, Kochare, Sonwar, Ahom and Nepali and living here since time immemorial but deprived of our genuine rights for none of our faults.  We have neither any land right (PRC) nor those served with State Government in various capacities received pension till their deaths," they said.