SHILLONG, Feb 19: Meghalaya government was, on Monday, cornered in the Assembly over the alleged ‘junk food’ provided to athletes at the recently held Meghalaya Games in Tura.
Denying the allegations, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri clarified that light snacks had been served during the opening ceremony of the Games.
The Minister was responding to queries by Opposition VPP MLA from Nongkrem, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit.
“Due to the visit of the President, there were certain protocols we had to follow. So, we asked all the athletes to have a heavy breakfast. Before leaving their venues, we had asked that they be served brunch. Therefore, during the day, only light snacks were served. We also provided them with an early dinner,” the minister told the House.
Basaiawmoit also asked what actions the government has taken against media houses or others for allegedly weaving a false narrative on the matter, the minister said that no action was taken.
“Not everyone but one or two persons had shared the photo,” Warjri said.
Not satisfied by the reply, Basaiawmoit sought clarity on his answer.
He pointed out that a video was circulated on social media, in which a manager of one of the sports teams had expressed displeasure and disappointment with the food served to the athletes at the Games. “We are not denying that we took a decision to serve only light snacks at the inaugural programme. In the world of social media, everyone can spread anything and at any time. Only 1 or 2 per cent have taken that video and spread it,” Warjri responded.
The Games, held from January 15 to 20, was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu adding a significant touch to the opening ceremony.
