SHILLONG, Feb 20: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has distanced himself from the controversy surrounding the denial of permission for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at the P.A. Sangma Stadium in Tura on February 24.
The BJP on Monday attacked the National People’s Party (NPP), Sangma in particular, after the Sports Department cited ongoing construction and unsafe conditions at the stadium.
Reacting to the accusation, the Chief Minister said neither he nor the NPP had any role in the development. “Dragging our names into it is completely wrong. Even I did not get permission to hold meetings in many places,” he said.
“The Election Commission and the district (West Garo Hills) administration must have done their assessment and decided to or not to give permission,” Sangma said.
About the accusation that he inaugurated an incomplete stadium, the Chief Minister said the sports complex has two parts – a football stadium and an indoor stadium.
The football stadium has been completed while the indoor stadium is incomplete and this was the reason why the state government inaugurated the former on December 16 last year, he said.
“Why the administration has not given the permission is not in my jurisdiction,” he added.
Earlier, the BJP claimed some parties were trying to stall the PM’s rally in Tura because of the “Modi and BJP wave” that is gripping Meghalaya.
Money given under FOCUS not loan: Conrad
Meanwhile, the CM clarified that the money under FOCUS and FOCUS+ scheme given to farmers is not a loan but grants even as he promised that the NPP will continue with the scheme if voted to power again.
He made the statement at a rally of his party. He attended two rallies – one in Mawsynram and the other in Mawthadraishan to drum up support for party candidates Alvin K Sawkmie and Biolinda L Nonglait, respectively.
Alleging that people are playing politics over the scheme, he said, “This is not a loan. This money is given as grants. You don’t have to pay it back to the government.”
“We will continue with the Focus and Focus+ programme as we form the government. We will keep transferring Rs 5,000 to the bank account of each beneficiary. We will transfer another Rs 5,000 to the personal account of the beneficiaries every year. This means Rs 10,000 will go to every beneficiary’s account,” Sangma said.
The chief minister said Rs 450 crore will be given to 4.5 lakh families under the programme every year. He assured that those beneficiaries, whose money has been blocked for some reasons, will be paid the amount after necessary rectification.
He said it has been the endeavour of the NPP-led government to help the farmers.
Talking about Nonglait, he said the NPP’s Mawthadraishan candidate is not only qualified but also connected to the youth and women and understands the problems of the constituency well. He urged people to give a chance to the contestant.
“We will bring in opportunities for the youths of the state in terms of better education and improve the overall healthcare sector,” Sangma said.
Reminding people that it was the same field where his father, the late PA Sangma, had addressed a rally 30 years ago, he said if the NPP retains power, it will ensure that the field is converted into a proper stadium. He promised proper sports infrastructures too.
“We are here to make an appeal that we should work together to take this constituency and our state forward,” he added.
Claiming that there is a strong NPP wave across the state, he said people believe it is the only party that can lead the state in the right direction.
“Given the kind of support we are getting from every corner, we are confident of getting an absolute majority,” he said.