TURA, July 9: Former Chief Minister and current leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma, on Saturday, tore into the Conrad Sangma-led government questioning the delay in projects sanctioned during their time while also pointing fingers at the corruption in the present government.
“Many local contractors have come to me and expressed their anguish on their bills being delayed while contractors from outside the state have a free hand at everything. Imagine everything being given to people from Delhi. Even simple thing like the supply of computers or equipment are being given to people from outside the state. Do we not have people in our state that can deliver these,” questioned Sangma while speaking to people during an enrolment drive for the North Tura Block at Asanang.
At least 600 people enrolled in the drive this afternoon with many more attending the programme by the AITC leader.
“Many schemes that were worked on and passed by our government have either been dropped or delayed altogether. The two medical colleges (Tura and Shillong), two engineering colleges, the technical college named after our first CM, Williamson Sangma have been put on hold. Would these not have helped the state in developing further,” Mukul asked the crowd.
Referring to undue advantages being given to some companies, the AITC leader pointed to the Rongram – Phulbari road that is presently under construction.
“The entire project costs Rs 132 crore but despite only completing about 30% of the work, Rs 77 crore has been paid to them.
This is the same company that is working of the Meghalaya Assembly and the Damra – Bajengdoba road, both of which are in shambles and delayed. Why the bias?” asked Mukul.
Sangma pointed to more points that could be brought on the present government whose serious enunciation could take days.
“There are thousands of vacancies in just the police department which need to be filled. These were a part of the budgetary allowances. These have not been filled and there are new vacancies that need to be filled as well. What happened to these,” asked Mukul.
On his party’s chances in the coming elections, Mukul said that it was the confidence of the people that allowed him to take a risk and join AITC.
“They understand me and are confident with me and what I want to achieve. I am confident that the party will do extremely well,” felt Mukul.
Earlier speaking to the gathering MLA Lazarus Sangma said all departments in the state were either on the verge of protest or are already protesting.
“Where is the promise of prioritized education? Why are SSA teachers not getting their salaries? This is the first time we have seen nurses and doctors on the streets and rallies for police posts,” stated the Chokpot MLA.
Rangsakona MLA, Zenith Sangma during his speech questioned the development mantra professed by the MDA government.
“Can anyone in Garo Hills show what development the present Conrad Sangma led government brought to Garo Hills. The current government is being known for its corruption. Look at the CAG reports on various schemes. We are not the ones saying it. The investigation by independent agencies is pointing to this fact,” said Zenith.
He further asked to look at the current electricity situation being faced by the people of the state. This too, he claimed, was due to the corruption of the present government.
“Unlike them you can make a list of development projects brought by the previous Mukul Sangma government,” said Zenith.
Other AITC leaders who attended the program today included MDCs Rinaldo K Sangma, Agassi R Marak, Nehru Sangma, Lahit Sangma and Sadhiarani Sangma, former MLA Noverfield Maral and former Tura MDC, Rupert Sangma besides others.
