By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Citing poverty as a problem which requires much attention in the State, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Oscar Fernandes on Sunday that the same could be resolved only by a strong party like the Congress.
Addressing an election rally of Congress candidate from South Shillong, Manas Chaudhuri, here on Sunday, Fernandes said that if voted to power, the party will eradicate poverty and ensure a fair and stable government in the State.
Reminding the public about the contributions of the party towards the development of the country, Fernandes said the Congress has played a positive role in bringing about all round development since Independence under the leadership of the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Calling upon the people to vote for Chaudhuri, the AICC general secretary said change will happen only if Chaudhuri is elected.
“He has been in the political arena for the last eight years and in all these years he has proved his worth,” Fernandes said.
Reiterating that he had joined the Congress with the sole motive of development, Chaudhuri said, “I strongly believe that Congress will help me bring forth the burning issues which had gone unnoticed when I was an Independent candidate.”
“By being in the government, I can at least push forward these issues and serve the public better.”
Chaudhuri, who also released a report card of his services to the constituency during the last five years sought to ask the other contestants from the constituency if they could also go on without their salary for eight years like he has done.
Dwelling on the issue of prohibition by the Cantonment authorities to allow any construction, extension of building or houses falling under their jurisdiction, thereby denying the public to avail the benefits of various government schemes, Chaudhuri said, “I have apprised Defence Minister AK Antony about the issue and he has assured to take up the matter when he visits the State on February 17.”