Mukul withdraws resolution on winter capital in Tura on Conrad’s request
Shillong, Mar 6: Both hailing from Garo Hills, albeit political arch political rivals, chief minister Conrad Sangma and leader of opposition Mukul Sangma appeared to be on the same page on the demand for winter capital in Tura, but the CM stopped short of directly agreeing to the latter’s resolution in this regard in the assembly on Friday.
Rather, he urged the opposition to withdraw the resolution, saying there has been no instance of the government passing a resolution moved by the opposition.
The chief minister, in reply to the resolution moved by Mukul Sangma, assured to constitute a committee to examine the demand, prompting the former to agree to withdraw the resolution.
“As has been the process that is followed in the House, I urge the leader of opposition to withdraw the resolution as no government has ever passed a resolution brought by the opposition,” Conrad said in the state assembly on Thursday.
It is a technical issue, but in the spirit of the resolution let us sit and discuss…to make this happen, we have to put our heads together…,” he said.
Considering the aspirations of people of other regions, he also proposed deliberations with stakeholders from Jaintia Hills, Khasi Hills and Garo Hills on the “different aspects and complications” of the matter.
Expressing his support to the spirit of Mukul Sangma’s resolution and yet urging him to withdraw it, the chief minister said, “We are going with the spirit of the resolution and we will have a committee on it.”
Explaining the “technical issue”, Conrad said the members of the ruling bench could not support the resolution.
“For 53 years, no resolution moved by the Opposition was passed in the assembly, but it doesn’t mean they are not understanding the importance of the issue,” he said.
Referring to his discussions with several organisations raising the demand for winter capital, he said, “Our actions speak louder than words. We don’t go around and talk about different things we want to do…”
Conrad also pointed out to the cabinet meetings held in Tura, Jowai, Sohra, and Resubelpara, explaining the government’s commitment to take governance closer to the people.
“Such programmes cannot be valued in terms of the cost. If you look at that then we lose the meaning of taking the cabinet to the people,” he said.
“There is a reason why we doing it… every section of our society and individual is important to us. Therefore, the cabinet on the move will continue,” Conrad added.
He also informed that since 2018 cabinet ministers have been put in-charge of different districts to handhold and visit the villages and spend time to understand the issues faced by them.
“A lot of action has been taken to show the intent of this government and ensure we bring all round development irrespective of regions,” he stated.
In line with the aspiration, the chief minister also announced the government’s decision to spend Rs 100 crore for construction of the Integrated Administrative Complex at Tura, West Garo Hills.
“In the beginning, we thought of making it a small office but if you look at the design of the complex, there are rooms for CM, ministers, cabinet room, chief secretary,” he said.
Apart from Tura, Conrad said the Integrated Administrative Complex will also come up at Jowai and Pynursla.
Referring to construction of Raj Bhavan in Tura, which was inaugurated by President of India, he said, “It is not about completing the Raj Bhavan but understanding what it is. It is a symbol of involvement and making people feel we are being given that importance.”
The chief minister also claimed that for the first time all blocks in the state were given new buildings.
“All new blocks created, we are sanctioning buildings this year,” he announced.
He also mentioned that the government has ensured DC office is constructed for South Garo Hills, which for past 35 years was functioning from the old SDO office.
“We are able to bring governance closer to the people has been one of the top priorities of my government. Therefore, we have left no stones unturned,” Conrad said.
Before withdrawing the resolution, Mukul said, “The way I had scripted the resolution, it was in a manner we all agree and I am successful in that.”
“I can read between lines of what you (CM) are trying to do. It is a commitment to proceed. I am pleased to withdraw and seek leave of the House to withdraw the resolution,” he stated.
