SHILLONG: Ever since the formation of the NDA Government at the Centre, at least half a dozen Union Ministers of State have visited the North Eastern states including Meghalaya.
This is a major jump in numbers when compared to the tours made by Union Ministers during the Congress regime and is a welcome change for a region plagued by the feeling of being neglected by the Centre.
In the past, Union ministers were seen in the city only ahead of elections. But all that seems to have changed now.
Despite the recent criticism and uproar over the use of the word ‘immigrants’ for the people of the North East in BJP’s vision document for Delhi Assembly elections, the frequent visit of union ministers paints a different picture of a party out to eradicate the feeling of alienation of the NE people.
In January, DoNER Minister and NEC chairman Jitendra Singh visited Shillong and attended the 63rd Plenary Meeting of the Council held here.
Later in the same month, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Pon Radhakrishnan also visited Shillong and reviewed the ongoing road projects in Meghalaya. He even announced that the Central government is targeting construction of 1400km road in the land-locked Northeastern region.
On February 2, it was a rare and pleasant occasion for several families residing at Mawphlang when Union Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ram Kripal Yadav visited their homes, interacted with the family members and even sought information from them on the problems they faced with regards to sanitation and other basic amenities. The Minister acted a commoner and even tasted the Kwai (betel leaf and nut) offered by a family while promising to visit the village again to taste the local delicacies.
While speaking to media persons, Yadav had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all the Union Ministers to visit North East every two months and spend at least 48 hours with the people of the region.
On Saturday, Union Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Giriraj Singh also arrived here on a two-day visit.
Earlier, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju also visited the city and held discussions with the State machinery on the law and order situation.
Last year, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also visited Garo Hills and assessed the flood situation which created havoc in Garo Hills.
Union Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj was also set to visit Shillong to inaugurate the Passport Seva Kendra but the Minister had to cancel the tour at the eleventh hour since her chopper could not land due to bad weather.
Now it is to be seen if Prime Minister Narenda Modi would visit Shillong. After becoming the Prime Minister, Modi is yet to visit Shillong though he visited other Northeastern states.
