SHILLONG, June 29: All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday made a blistering attack on Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, calling him “Conman Sangma” for running a “double heist” government with the BJP from the Centre.
He accused the CM of “robbing” the people of the state. He was addressing party workers during a pan membership drive at a meeting of party workers at U Soso Tham auditorium.
Stating that a strong Opposition is the need of the hour to keep any incumbent in check, Banerjee claimed that the National People’s Party-led government completely ignored the interests of the people of Meghalaya and has been a mere proxy and puppet in the hands of the BJP.
He said Meghalaya is the only state that exposed the unholy nexus between the BJP and the Congress. He said it is unbelievable that the Congress is supporting the BJP and vice versa in an alliance.
“It is unbelievable that Congress is supporting BJP, BJP is supporting Congress and NPP is supporting BJP,” Banerjee said.
He added: “They formed an alliance called Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) but Conrad Sangma should reframe and rename it as My Development Alliance as development that happened was Conrad Sangma’s development.”
Banerjee appreciated the 12 MLAs for quitting the Congress and joining the AITC. He said they realised if they have to take the might of the NPP and the vigour of the BJP, they need the platform of the AITC. He said the AITC is the only party that has the courage to fight and take the BJP head on.
Backed with figures, he highlighted the instances of attacks on churches and torture to SC and ST communities in the country.
“BJP is known to spread venom and hatred. Currently, it is an active member of the MDA government and has all the controls behind the scenes with the two MLAs literally controlling the state and the lives of 35 lakh Meghalayans,” Banerjee said.
He said the 35 lakh Meghalayans have to control the BJP leaders in Delhi. The fight is not just for 2023 Assembly elections but also for 2024 Lok Sabha polls, he said.
“Conrad Sangma came to power with fake promises and false narratives of double engine government. Look how the double engine government is performing. This is not double engine but double heist and double robbery,” Banerjee said.
Explaining it, he said, “Double engine government means no one will arrest anyone. The central government can steal as much resources from Meghalaya as they want and Meghalaya police will not hold them accountable. Similarly, Conrad Sangma can do what he wants. This is double heist.”
Stating that it is time for the people to unite under the banner of the AITC to oust the “corrupt” government, he said, “We voted them with hopes in our hearts and optimism in our minds and Conrad Sangma eventually became Conman Sangma.”
“If you have minimum dignity and self-respect left with yourself, stop behaving like a puppet of the state,” Banerjee added.
“If Corona is the virus, then Covishield is the vaccine. Similarly, if NPP is the virus, then AITC is the vaccine. Let them bring their entire might and put their weight behind the unit in Meghalaya and behind Conrad Sangma, I promise you, AITC will fight till the last drop of its blood but will not surrender before the people in power,” Banerjee asserted.
“We are ready to bow down before the power of the people, not before the people in power. This is the difference,” he said.
Asking people to associate with the AITC to oust the MDA, he said, “In the next six months, put all your might, strength and vigour. One vote for AITC means five democratic slaps on these people who cheated you for the last four and a half years.”
‘CM surrendered land to another state’
Banerjee accused CM Sangma of surrendering Meghalaya’s land to another state (Assam) through the recent border agreement. He said there can be nothing more shameful than this.
He told journalists, “Do you think a dispute can be put to rest just by signing an MoU?” Have they ever consulted the people who fought for statehood and lived and died as Meghalayans? But now, they will have to live at the mercy of other states.”
