Tura, Jan 6: Minister of State (MoS) – minority affairs of the BJP today paid a visit to the recently inaugurated PA Sangma stadium and tore into the NPP government for giving the centre’s contribution to the project the short shrift as well as inaugurating the stadium despite the structure remaining incomplete.
The project comes with a price tag of over Rs 127 crores with 90% of the funding coming from the centre and the rest to be borne by the state. The stadium was funded by the ministry of minority affairs.
The minister is on a visit to Garo Hills beginning today, Jan 6 and began with an inspection of the stadium in Tura.
“This project was funded by the centre but was inaugurated by the Chief Minister and there is not even a mention in any part of the compound. The stadium has not even completed yet but they have already inaugurated it. This is a political gimmick. Since the centre’s funds are involved, it should be mentioned as such,” said Barla while talking to reporters this afternoon.
He called the move of the state government an attempt to fool the public.
“We should be working together instead of going against each other. For the development of the state we are willing to work with the state but if you ignore the centre’s contribution, there will be anger. The people will give you the answer in a few days,” he added.
He further pointed to the poor construction of the complex stating that he noticed quite a few beams already bent.
“The quality of the project leaves a lot to be desired,” felt the minister.
Upon hearing of the fact that the state actually evicted 7-8 families that lived close to the stadium, Barla paid a visit to them and also appealed to the state to help those that were evicted.
“Development cannot come at such costs. They used the police and the administration to evict these families and this has affected them completely. They are now homeless. If you have taken their lands, they need to be re-settled and compensated. They have bulldozed these houses and this has broken these families. I would request the government to come forward and help these people that have been affected. This is inhumane,” felt Barla.