SHILLONG/ TURA, Feb 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Meghalaya became an ATM for some political parties in New Delhi and even in Meghalaya as they steal and fill their pockets from the money of the state.
Addressing a massive rally at the Police Bazar point here, he said Meghalaya and the Northeast beyond were used by some people in the interest of their families.
While the PM did not elaborate, his swipe was directed at Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his predecessor Mukul Sangma.
Calling for an end to dynasty politics in the interest of the state and its people, Modi said: “Like people take out money from ATM whenever they need money, some political parties in Delhi and even here made Meghalaya an ATM to fill their own pockets.”
Impressed by the high turnout during the roadshow and the rally, he said the “old and youth, women and men, farmers and everyone in Meghalaya want a BJP government.”
Asserting that Meghalaya wants a stable and strong government under the leadership of a strong party, the Prime Minister attacked the outgoing state government and said the BJP-led government at the Centre made strategies to change the destiny of the state.
“I am experiencing a new beginning seeing the response from the people on the road and with a BJP government here, it will be easy for me to serve you from Delhi. Will you allow me to serve you?” Modi said.
He also said he will replay the love and blessings Meghalaya bestowed upon him by speeding up development in the state. “Your love and blessings will not go in vain,” he added.
He also said he could sense the lotus (BJP symbol) blooming everywhere in Meghalaya.
Without naming anyone, Modi slammed some politicians “rejected by the country” for yearning to dig a grave for him. “But the people are saying the lotus will bloom across the country,” he said.
He started his speech at Police Bazar with slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Hello Shillong” and said he found it amazing to be in a place with something special about it.
“When I think of Meghalaya, I think of talented people. I think of vibrant tradition, amazing natural beauty, music and football. We are all proud of Meghalaya’s culture, its famous bands and its songs. One such song is: We are the champions. Today, I will say Meghalaya is the champion,” he said.
PM’s stadium jibe in Tura
In Tura, the PM began addressing the massive gathering at Alotgre Cricket Stadium by taking a swipe at BJP’s opponents, saying there was an attempt to not allow him to come and meet the people of the town of Tura by vested forces.
“I don’t need a stadium for the people of the state to show their love. Their presence in Shillong and on the way to the meeting in Tura has shown me that the people have already given me a place in their hearts,” said Modi, amid thunderous raptures.
The public rally began with an opening prayer led by Rev. Frithing D Sangma, senior Pastor of Hawakhana Baptist Church in Tura.
Emphasising on the need for a double engine government for the benefit of the people of the state, Modi stated that for central schemes to actually permeate to the people of the state, it was essential for the state to also have a BJP-led government.
“Meghalaya wants a BJP government as it means speedy development for the state. It would also mean an end to bandhs and blockades. BJP in Meghalaya will also mean the end of corruption and scams. It means that every family has a pucca house, electricity and water,” he said.
He also emphasised on the fact that the BJP would mean more employment for the youth, support for women as well as the preservation of the culture, music and traditions of all communities.
“There are many sectors in which the Centre and the state needs to work together. Look at the states where the BJP is ruling. Development has been immense. We have increased the budget for the NE states by quite some margin. In the last 9 years, we have given huge amounts of money but there has been no development. Where has this money gone,” he asked.
The PM further stated the youth were telling him that all employment opportunities in the state have vanished.
“This is why the people of the state have decided to have a government in Shillong and New Delhi. We have the vision and the belief for the development of the state,” he added.
He added that all the districts of the state were connected to other states and attempts to connect the state internationally so that farmers in the region could benefit for the organic nature of farming in the international markets.
“Sabka saath, sabka vikas is our secularism. We have not seen religion in giving our schemes but only the convenience of our mothers and sisters. For the BJP the country and its people matter,” he stated as the counter to the party being called anti Christians.
He referred to two cases where nurses from Kerala and a pastor who was kidnapped from Afghanistan were rescued by the government as cases in point.
He added that their government had increased the budget for the Tribal Ministry and that more than 2 lakh farmers were benefiting from the PM – Kisan scheme in the state while applauding the party in Meghalaya for increasing the amount from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 per annum in their manifesto.
He asked those gathered to spread the message among the people of the state and ask for their blessings.
“Go to each house and tell them that I have sent my namaskar and seek their blessings for me. That will make me stronger to work for the country,” he concluded.
Shortly after, he once again waved to the crowd before leaving the venue. He however stood out of his car during the entire journey back to the helipad, waving to those that had come get a glimpse of the PM.