TURA: Union tourism minister at the centre, K J Alphons, has questioned the ‘developmental mantra’ of the Conhress-led Meghalaya Government saying that it differs from Prime Minister Modi’s dream of giving the people of Meghalaya opportunities for everyone.
Giving his first press conference at Tura while on his maiden visit to the region, the union minister of state attacked the Mukul Sangma government calling it ‘an enemy of the people’.
He took a jab at the state government questioning why it takes five hours to cover a distance of 50 kms in some places beyond Tura and the presence of around 50 wooden bridges.
“This govt is an enemy of the people because had it done its job would Garo Hills still have wooden bridges and bad roads and would the youth still need to migrate to other states in search of jobs? This is a disastrous government,” stated Alphons during his press conference.
He questioned the manner in which central funds were being utilized by the state and said that it was failing to reach the people.
“The Mukul Sangma government has not even implemented till date the 5th pay commission which shows that it is unable to pay salaries to its own employees,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of tourism, he said that there were incredible opportunities and Meghalaya could be in the forefront provided there was an efficient state government.
“We intend to dramatically change the situation and make this state a huge tourist hub. Good education, excellent skill training programmes and providing employment is what the BJP wants for the youth of Meghalaya, including Garo Hills,” said the BJP minister.
On the beef ban controversy which erupted in many parts of the country some months ago, Alphons clarified that the central government had already made it clear that the people of the state would decide on what they want to eat and no one from Delhi could decide on that.
Meghalaya election campaign would centre on positive and negativity.
Tourism minister K J Alphons along with national spokesperson of the BJP, Nalin Kohli have said that next year’s state elections will see two different modes of campaign by political parties.
“The difference between the two campaigns is that ours will be a positive campaign for change with Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas development agenda to ensure Meghalaya gets its due.
“On the other hand, there is going to be a whole campaign on negativity because the Congress don’t want to speak on their performance. After 10 years the fear is please don’t talk of our performance. Instead create fear against those who talk on development,” said Alphons and Kohli during their press briefing in Tura.
Kohli dared the Congress to engage in a debate on development and their track record.
