Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Vincent Pala today lashed out at the State government for being spineless and denying the party to hold an interaction with students at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) in Ri Bhoi district.
Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra yesterday reached Nongpoh and witnessed a massive turnout with thousands chanting Rahul Gandhi’s name.
Gandhi was supposed to meet and interact with students from USTM however that didn’t happen.
Pala told media persons that the party had written to the administration seeking permission to hold an interaction with the students.
“Unfortunate that the government led by NPP, UDP and BJP refused to give permission based on some silly reasons. Normally, if any programme is to be held, the university will give the clearance. We didn’t need permission to hold interaction. Permission was required for security and NOC from the university. It is sad to see such kind of actions. It shows that the government in Meghalaya is directed by BJP in the Centre and maybe from a BJP leader of North East states. So every vote given to the NPP or UDP is given to the BJP,” Pala said.
He further said that BJP doesn’t want Rahul Gandhi to connect with the people or hear their concerns.
“There was a rally carried out by people chanting Jai Shri Ram, they were rallying from Guwahati to Byrnihat. I wonder if they had taken any permission. We wanted to follow norms hence we sought permission,” Pala explained.
The MPCC president however extended his gratitude towards the party leaders, supporters and public for turning out in large numbers for the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra at Nongpoh.
“The turnout will send a message to Rahul that Meghalaya is for the Congress and will always be with Congress,” Pala said.
Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Ronnie V. Lyngdoh also informed that the party held a meeting and received the names of applicants for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections.
“Until and unless AICC approves we can’t disclose the names but applications have come through and screening will be held before the end of Congress,” Lyngdoh said.