Tura: The high voltage by-poll for Tura Parliamentary seat, slated for May 16, has started to witness a line-up of BJP’s big shots campaigning for NPP candidate Conrad K Sangma.
After BJP’s in-charge for Meghalaya Nalin Kohli, the party has sent Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram to woo the voters of the constituency.
Oram, while addressing an election rally at Gokulgre village, near Bajengdoba on Wednesday, said that a victory for Conrad would immensely benefit Garo Hills because as a partner of the NDA he would be able to take up issues concerning development and funds directly with the Union government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He was accompanied by Meghalaya in charge Nalin Kohli, the state BJP president Shibun Lyngdoh and a host of other BJP and NPP leaders. “The NPP is an alliance partner of the NDA. If elected Conrad will have direct access to the various ministries of the government of India and Garo Hills stands to benefit in the area of development,” said Oram.
While reiterating the Centre’s keenness to develop Garo Hills, the tribal affairs minister said that New Delhi is prepared to sanction more funds but would seek accountability for its use.
He gave an example of the recent allocation of Rs 200 crore by the Centre for the GHADC.
Accusing the Congress of attempting to use money power to win the by-poll, Oram cautioned the voters against such attemps. Conrad Sangma, while addressing the rally, appreciated the support Modi and the BJP have provided for his election.
Nalin Kohli, BJP national spokesperson, urged the electorate to send a message to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma that those who work for development will only get votes.
On a humorous note, Kohli said, “Hand of Congress party is very personal and it works on its whims and fancies”. Bose’s appoitment: Kohli, meanwhile, has appointed Biplob Kumar Bose, spokesman of BJP’s Meghalaya unit, as the co-ordinator for Tura by -polls. Bose has been entrusted to arrange and facilitate the visits of Central leaders and Union ministers to Garo Hills to campaign for the NDA candidate Conrad Sangma.
