By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Exuding confidence that Congress would retain power in Meghalaya, Union Defence Minister AK Antony on Saturday said the Centre would extend full cooperation to his party to fulfill the promises made in the party manifesto.
“I am extremely confident that Congress would get absolute majority this time,” Antony said while addressing an election rally to drum up support for South and West Shillong Congress candidates — Manas Chaudhuri and Mohindro Rapsang– at Jhalupara here.
While stating that people would vote for the Sonia Gandhi-led party, the Congress veteran from Kerala said, “People here know very well that Congress is the only national party which is secular and which can keep this country together.”
“We have promised to create 10,000 jobs in the Government sector and another one lakh in the private sector in the next five years. We would ensure that these jobs are created,” Anthony said.
He said that Congress wants to provide a Government in the State which would strive to give better life to its citizens.
Stating that Shillong used to be the education hub of the region, he said the State is still a hot spot of quality education and can attract students from various ASEAN countries like Myanmar, Philippines etc.
“I am of the view that the special attention should be given to the education sector to revive its past glory,” Union Defence Minister said.
Terming the Northeastern region as the gateway to neighbouring nations, he said, “The region so far has not been able to take advantage of this unique distinction due to poor connectivity. The Centre has now realized the need to improve connectivity in the region to facilitate trade relations with the neighbouring nations which would ultimately benefit the Northeastern region”.
On the problems being faced by the people of the Cantonment area, he said he would not make any promise “since the Election Commission is closely monitoring whatever I say,” and added “I have taken note of your various difficulties in my heart.”
Earlier, Chaudhuri urged the Defence Minister to prepare a master plan for beautification of the Cantonment area.
“I know there is no dearth of fund to give a facelift to the Cantonment area. People of this area deserve a better place to live in,” South Shillong Congress candidate said.
In his speech, former Union Minister of State Vincent H Pala also brought to the notice of Antony the difficulties being faced by the people of Cantonment area.
West Shillong Congress candidate, Rapsang said that he is committed to work for the overall development of the area.
The meeting, which was jointly organized by 19 Shillong South and 18 Shillong West Congress blocks, was initially presided over the 19 Shillong South Block Congress president Biman Talukdar. Later he handed over the baton to Vincent Pala.