Meghalaya Election 2023: Ahead of the Assembly election on February 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited poll-bound Meghalaya today (February 24). PM Modi addressed a rally in Shillong on Friday.
"Some people who have been rejected by the country are immersed in sadness and are now saying 'Modi teri kabra khudegi' but the people of the country are saying 'Modi tera kamal khilega'," said PM Narendra Modi in Shillong.
"When I think of Meghalaya, I think of talented people, and vibrant traditions. I am here with a message of hope and development. India is scaling new heights of success and Meghalaya is making a strong contribution to it," PM Modi added.
PM also held a massive roadshow as a part of the election campaign in Shillong where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hopes to secure a large vote share. He will also meet BJP leaders of Meghalaya today.
PM Modi's 1st visit amid poll campaigning in Meghalaya:
This was the first visit of PM Modi to Meghalaya in 2023. BJP said that their election plan has been development and employment in a state with little of either. These, along with corruption, have been the themes in speeches of Union minister and ex-Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal, who campaigned in Meghalaya recently. He also hinted at the Sangma families' nepotism, both of which have a number of members in the fray.
Meghalaya Election manifesto:
Earlier, BJP President JP Nadda on February 15 released the party's election manifesto for Meghalaya in the state capital Shillong. The manifesto promises implementation of the 7th Pay Commission in Meghalaya and the timely disbursal of salaries of government employees and many other promises in favour of the state.
Elaborating on the manifesto titled 'eMpowered Meghalaya', Nadda said the 'M' in its name signifies "Modi for Meghalaya".Speaking at the unveiling of the party's poll pledges, the BJP national president said the potential of the Northeast state, which is rich in culture and tradition, hasn't been suitably harnessed and utilised to date. He said there is a lot to be done in the state as there is plenty of scope for development.
"Corruption is also a major issue, which has posed a hindrance to the development of Meghalaya," Nadda said. He added that the BJP wants to work towards a corruption-free Meghalaya by delivering strong governance. He added that a strong Meghalaya could only be created by a strong BJP government.
"We need to raise visions of Mega Meghalaya, we have to think big. Speed, scale and skill, all have to come together if we are to take Meghalaya to its promised state," the BJP national president said.
BJP poll manisfesto promises:
The BJP will enhance the benefit under the Centre's flagship 'Kisan Samman Nidhi' scheme by adding Rs 2,000 to the already allocated amount of Rs 6,000 annually.
"For women empowerment, we have promised to introduce the 'Ka Phan Nonglait' scheme for our mothers, sisters and daughters. It is named after the first freedom fighter in the Khasi Hills. At the birth of a girl child, a bond of Rs 50,000 will be provided to the family and the child will be provided with free education from KG to PG, he said, adding that 2 free LPG cylinders would also be provided annually for the beneficiaries of the 'Ujjawala' scheme."
Special Economic Zones will be established for the empowerment of youth and many industrial units will be set up in the state to generate employment opportunities, he added. Polls will be held in both the states of Meghalaya and Nagaland on February 27 (Monday) while the counting is scheduled on March 2.
(With agencies inputs)
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