Congress's husband-wife government failed to address needs of people: Rajnath Singh in Meghalaya

Meghalaya's "bura buri" government run by the Congress had failed to address the health care concerns of the people, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today, using the Garo term for "husband and wife" to refer to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and his minister wife.

Addressing two rallies in the Congress bastion of the Garo Hills ahead of Assembly elections on February 27, Singh attacked the state government over a range of issues, including health care and law and order.

The development of road and transport infrastructure has undergone a revolution under our Govt in Meghalaya. This is a major part of our vision towards achieving #OneMeghalaya. pic.twitter.com/SIHOrHZsUD

— Meghalaya Congress (@INCMeghalaya) February 19, 2018

Going to Meghalaya on election campaign. Shall address two public meetings at Songsak and South Tura in Garo Hills region. @BJP4Meghalaya

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 19, 2018

The Centre had raised the allocation of funds for the state fourfold since the Modi government came to power, but the state was still to see development, he said.

Rooting for the BJP in the north-east state, he said the party would make Meghalaya the "Scotland of the east" if elected to power, as it had tremendous potential for tourism.

Roads of Meghalaya in @mukulsangma ‘s own bastion show your achievements @INCIndia !People contemplate fishery or farming on roads! How long can you mock the plight of ppl travelling along Tikrikilla-Phulbari-Rajabala road, for instance? This thread will showcase ur ‘revolution’: pic.twitter.com/y9sKOLzoEq

— BJP Meghalaya (@BJP4Meghalaya) February 19, 2018

At his rallies in Songsak in East Garo Hills and Tura in the West Garo Hill region, the minister said it was "painful" that the state's people had to go to Bangladesh for treatment.

The senior BJP leader, who started and ended his speeches with a few words in the local language, said his party would ensure proper health facilities throughout the state if it came to power.

Positive minds.
Positive vibes.
Positive people.
United people.
and where there is unity -
there is always victory.

Thank you Resu! pic.twitter.com/PfAQ2idV0R

— Mukul Sangma (@mukulsangma) February 19, 2018

This is your revolution in Sutnga Saipung! For how long will you mock us @INCIndia ? For how long will you do this propaganda? pic.twitter.com/q683i9CqYF

— BJP Meghalaya (@BJP4Meghalaya) February 19, 2018

"I have been told that patients from here were taken to Bangladesh for treatment on a 'charpoy' (cot). This is very painful," he said.

Taking on the Congress-led government, he said it was unfortunate that there was no health infrastructure despite the chief minister being a doctor.

Singh pointed out that the BJP government at the Centre had announced a health insurance scheme which would provide people with free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh.

#TimeForChange#TimeForBJP pic.twitter.com/dk2VoXMWeh

— BJP Meghalaya (@BJP4Meghalaya) February 19, 2018

"The BJP will completely transform health care in the state if it comes to power," he said.

The party would convert the Shillong Hospital into a research institute and open a cancer hospital in the state, he said.

Referring to the law and order situation, the Union minister claimed there were 57 police stations, of which only 39 were active.

"How can you expect proper law and order in the state in such a scenario? Who is responsible?" he asked, claiming that if the BJP formed the government, it would resolve all law and order issues within three months.

State government employees, he added, were getting the 5th Pay Commission salaries but the BJP would put them on a par with other states.