Editor,
The people of Meghalaya are in an election mood. This assembly election 2023 is characterized by the mushrooming of many new political parties. So many parties are there that the voters will have multiple choices which will definitely confuse them. Talking to many people, they all express the same dilemma of choice. Listening to the manifestos of various parties, citizens are being fed with lofty promises of development. It is an open secret that all these parties are fooling the people with such empty promises because when they come to power (whoever it may be) these manifestos would be shelved under their tables.
However, no matter how discontented or disillusioned we might be, we have no choice but to choose between two evils. In my humble opinion, the public of Meghalaya should vote first of all for the three essential things, namely, ROADS, ELECTRICITY and WATER supply (REW). For the last fifty years all the governments have failed to provide these three basic amenities to the people. Think of the many rural villages which are not yet connected by motorable roads. For example, many villages in the Khatar-shnong area, are still isolated. In many remote villages of our state, even the existing motorable roads are in such miserable conditions that they are no longer suitable for travelling. In rainy seasons they become deep pools of water. Why speak of rural villages? Even in Shillong city itself we know how traffic congestion remains an everlasting crisis. While Guwahati is witnessing the mushrooming of flyovers to ease the traffic, Shillong can only dream of such development. So on roads, all governments have failed.
When it comes to electricity supply, we have not reached that level of 24×7 power supply. In spite of being an electricity generating state, the benefits are not seen at all. Even in the city we are plagued with frequent scheduled and unscheduled power cuts. Think of the many rural villages where power supply is either missing or not regular at all. In remote villages when power fails due to some disruptions, it remains so for weeks without immediate repair. In this matter once again all governments have failed. When it comes to water supply, it is pathetic to think that our citizens do not yet have running water at home. The multiplicity of water tankers in Shillong and even in rural areas, is a clear proof that the governments for the last five decades have not been able to provide sufficient water supply to the public. Poor families have to shell out a good amount of their income buying water every day. Unfortunately, in this area too, all governments have failed miserably.
In conclusion I would say, let us not bother about other election promises (building this and that, providing this and that etc.), but what we expect most of all from any government that will come to power is to provide us with the above-mentioned basic amenities. Long live our beloved state Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Barnes Mawrie sdb,
Via email
BJP has to be more responsible
Editor,
The present ruckus that is going on in both Houses of Parliament is primarily due to the ruling party not giving straight answers to the questions raised by members of the Opposition. Such behaviour is not expected in a mature democratic country for democracy demands consultation on every important issue among the political parties. From the point of view of the Opposition parties, their voice is being suppressed and some parts of their speeches are being deleted from the proceedings of Parliament. It is expected from the BJP that an assurance be given to the Opposition parties that the Adani matter would be scrutinised. Previously too the BJP had adopted an adamant attitude and the country lost a lot which is evident from the mishandling of farmers agitation. Even the Land Acquisition Bill had to be taken back when the ruling party could not satisfy the Opposition parties of the various objections raised by them.
Elections in three north eastern states will be held this month and even if the BJP wins all these States, it will not have any impact in other parts of the country. The assembly election in Karnataka will be held in May and from media reports pouring in, the Congress could win the elections in that State. If that happens it will be a big problem for the BJP. The main problem with the Government is that no Department takes interest in solving the grievances of the common man. The disabled are a harried lot and have to face various hardships and even the Disability Act has not been properly implemented since 1996. They are not getting full pension as well as family pension.
In this regard I had sent representations to various dignitaries such as PMO, FMO, CJI, Disability Department and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and even the President of India but no one bothered to pay attention to the problems of the disabled. If such is the position then how can the image of the Government improve? Unnecessary conflict is being created with the Judiciary. Pandemonium has been created in Parliament for the last three sessions. Till date the BJP had spoken so much against freebies that it’s own schemes will not garner additional votes. Speeches delivered by Modi in Parliament have failed to impress. It was just a repetition of previous speeches. Communal issues are being raised unnecessarily. The BJP should play a constructive role in Parliament and should refrain from raising unwanted and undesirable issues.
Yours etc.,
Yash Pal Ralhan,
Via email