Cabinet minister Rakkam A Sangma today slammed alleged hypocrisy among members of the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP), claiming that those who now oppose the rock concerts held in Shillong were singing and dancing during them.
VPP leader Ardent Basaiawmoit, the Nongkrem MLA, had described such concerts, such as the recent one by Bryan Adams, as “painkillers” the state government uses to mask its failures to bring real benefits to the people.
In his response, Sangma today said that events like these, featuring international stars, enhance Shillong’s global reputation. “The world now knows that Bryan Adams performed in Shillong,” the minister said, pointing out the positive exposure the event brought to the city. He also questioned whether the VPP would ban performances by renowned groups like the Shillong Chamber Choir if they were to gain power in the state.
Sangma further noted that such events benefit the state’s younger generation, inspiring them to reach the artistic heights of global figures like Bryan Adams.
