SHILLONG: While the BJP is playing it’s old card of lifting NGT ban on coal mining to woo voters in Meghalaya, the opposition Congress has asked people to be cautious on the claims of BJP over the important issue of coal mining
Speaking to newsmen, Congress spokesperson, HM Shangpliang has termed the claims of BJP as a bluff while stating that until the NGT and the Supreme Court make a decision nobody can promise to lift the ban.
BJP MP candidate, Sanbor Shullai had recently stated that if BJP was voted to power and leading the government in the state, the issue of ban on coal mining would have been addressed long time ago.
“It is not just the BJP but even the NPP made such promises before the Assembly elections last year. On the basis of their promise, majority of the people who are economically depended on coal mining, voted for them. But, now after one year of the Assembly elections, the ban on coal mining still remains and yet to be lifted,” Shangpliang said.
He stated that the BJP was again banging on the same issue to win the elections and their claims needed be watched first since they couldn’t be relied on any longer as they had spoken so much about coal mining but could do nothing about it.
One year ago, Conrad Sangma during his campaign had said the same thing and till date nothing has happened,” he said
It may be mentioned that both ruling and Opposition are blaming each other over continued ban on coal mining which was imposed by the NGT few years back.