TURA, April 23: Lending support to the growing demand of various Garo groups for setting up a winter capital in Tura, BJP MDC from Tura Bernard Marak on Sunday highlighted the need for construction of a Secretariat in the town and urged Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his Cabinet colleagues to begin the process for the same.
“People look forward to have a winter capital in Tura. Winter capital will become a reality after a secretariat and all other office headquarters are constructed in Tura. Before elections, BJP has understood the aspiration of the people and the importance to have a secretariat in Tura. BJP has seen winter capital in Tura from a practical perspective and in order to have it materialised in Garo Hills, the priority requirement is to have the proper infrastructure in place,” the Tura MDC said.
Bernard said the party has already proposed the construction of a new Secretariat in Tura to have winter sessions which has been acknowledged by the central government. He however added that it was now up to the state government to forward the proposal.
“To make winter capital a reality, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his cabinet have a major role to play by declaring and approving Tura as a winter capital which I believe, he will initiate in his cabinet very soon. BJP in its manifesto proposed secretariat to be constructed in Tura knowing it was necessary to balance the administration and governance equally for Khasi, Garo and Jaintia people,” Bernard added.
The Tura MDC asserted that the people’s aspiration has always been a priority to BJP while framing the manifesto and planning for the growth and development of the state. He also appreciated the local groups for highlighting the winter capital demand which was recently endorsed by the CM and Congress MLA Saleng Sangma.