Oram recalls PA, seeks votes for Conrad

GOKUL (Meghalaya), MAY11: Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oram, who made his maiden visit to Garo hills after the

2014 Lok Sabha election, recalled his association with former speaker of India late Purno A. Sangma at an election rally in Gokul, near Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills today.

“I am very happy to be here in Garo hills. It is an important bye-election as we are paying our tribute to late P.A Sangmaji, who was my Guru. He guided me, when I was elected to the parliament for the first time. It is a great opportunity for me that I am here to campaign for Sangmaji’s son Conrad in this important election”, said Oram, who spoke in Hindi.

He said that if Conrad Sangma- National People’s Party (NPP) candidate, who is pitted against Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma’s wife Dikkanchi D. Shira- is elected to the parliament, it will boost the morale of the BJP, as NPP is an alliance partner of BJP led NDA.

Describing Conrad’s qualities, Oram said, “He speaks and articulate almost like his father. I am sure that he will raise the voice of Garo hills and the northeastern region and ensure that development reaches here”.

Speaking at length about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attention to northeastern states, he said, “NDA government has a vision for the region (northeast) and Conrad will be able to highlight the needs of the people. We are happy that Conrad is contesting the election to keep the legacy of his father alive”.

He stated that Congress party is trying to “hypnotise” the people of Garo hills by propagating false accusation against BJP and resorting to money power.   “I am a tribal, I come from a region where Hindus and Christians live together in peace and harmony. Prime Minister Modiji is very clear about development agenda. Congress is trying to create confusion as they have nothing to talk”, he said.

Seeking mandate for the NPP candidate, Oram urged the people of Garo hills to cast vote for book, which is NPP’s party symbol.

“Book is knowledge and Prime Minister Narendra Modi follows the book – the constitution of India. We (BJP) want Conrad to sit in the parliament and talk about concerns of the region. We want to work with him and support the district council and push development through it”, said Nalin Kohli, national spokesperson of BJP and in-charge of Meghalaya.

Kohli urged the electorates to send a message to chief minister Mukul Sangma that those who work for development will only get votes. On a humorous note, Kohli said, “Hand of Congress party is very personal and it works on its whims and fancies”.

Taking a jibe at Congress party poster and banners, Kohli reiterated that since Congress party is not seeking votes for their own candidate they should withdraw from the election. Both Oram and Kohli assured support to the people of Garo hills and highlighted Modi government’s good deeds for the Northeastern region.

Speaking at the rally, NPP candidate Conrad thanked Prime Minister Modi and Oram for their attention towards Garo hills. He placed on record the recent allotment of Rs. 200 crore for Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).

“Modiji and Oramji had been very generous to allot 200 crore for GHADC. The NDA government has shown keen interest to work with councils in the region and extend all help for the benefit of the tribal people”, he said.-From Our Correspondent