Prime minister Narendra Modi on February 24, in an apparent attack on Meghalaya chief minister and National People’s Party president Conrad Sangma, said the people of the state need a ‘people-first government, instead of family-first’.
Addressing a party rally in Shillong, Modi said: “In Meghalaya, I can see the wave of BJP everywhere. Whether it is youth or elderly, men or women, businessmen or government employees, farmers or labourers, everyone in one voice is saying ‘Meghalaya mange BJP sarkar’ (Meghalaya wants BJP government). The sentiment in Meghalaya and Northeast are in favour of BJP.”
“This is due to selfish acts by a ‘few families’. They never gave priority to the interests of Meghalaya. This politics has harmed you a lot. There is such a political party in Delhi, and in Meghalaya also who made the entire Meghalaya as ATM to fill their coffers,” the PM said in a veiled attack on Conrad Sangma, who is the son of former Lok Sabha speaker PA Sangma.
“Meghalaya should be free from dynastic politics or not? Now, I am sure that the people of Meghalaya and Northeast are with the BJP. I will never let your love and blessings go in vain,” Modi said as he vowed to take the Northeast state to new heights of development.
The PM said since the BJP rode to power at the Centre, it has been ensuring development for Meghalaya and the Northeast region.
He added: “There is something special about this place. There is creativity in every corner of Meghalaya. We are all proud of Meghalaya’s culture. I have come here with a message of hope and development.”
Attacking the Congress leaders, Modi said: “Some people who have been rejected by the country are saying ‘Modi teri qabr khudegi’ (Modi your grave will be dug). But, people of the country are saying ‘Modi tera kamal khilega’ (Modi your lotus will bloom). The people of the country, Meghalaya and Nagaland will give a befitting reply.”
BJP is contesting the polls alone in the Northeast state. NPP, a constituent of the BJP-led North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) which is eyeing for the second term is also fighting the elections solo.
Polling for the Meghalaya assembly election will be held on February 27 while the votes will be counted on March 2.
