Rongjeng, April 10: Congress candidate taking on NPP’s Agatha Sangma for the prestigious Tura Lok Sabha seat has warned that public anger against rising food costs and low minimum wages would translate into votes for the opposition Congress and demanded that the ruling NPP led MDA government in the state prove its “commitment” towards uplifting the marginalized sections of society in the state.
Congress candidate Saleng A Sangma was in the NPP stronghold of Rongjeng in East Garo Hills district to garner support for his candidature on Wednesday. A number of Trinamool and BJP members from the region joined the Congress party during the public rally held at Rongjeng field.
“The situation on the ground is extremely difficult for the people because more and more people are falling into poverty due to rising food prices and low wages. Even children are losing out on education because parents cannot afford the fee hike in schools,” claims the Congress candidate in his address to the public at the rally.
Terming the food prices, school fees and energy bills as “exorbitant” and “unreasonable” Saleng Sangma warned that peoples’ anger is building up and this would be translated into votes against the ruling party.
“Just last year when Assembly elections took place in our state, one bag of rice was Rs 800. Today the same bag of rice cost Rs 1800. How is that even possible? Had it not been for the price rise, that extra Rs 1000 could have been used by families for emergencies, especially when a family member needs medical care,” says the Congress candidate.
He accused the NPP government in Meghalaya of failing to check the price rise in food items, especially rice which is the staple diet for the people.
“People are being pushed further into poverty because while prices of rice and other items are rising, yet the wages for labour have remained the same,” he said.
“When cost of living rises but wages don’t, how can anyone run their family? Whether you voted for NPP, TMC, BJP or even Congress, everyone is suffering because steps are not being taken to address this burning issue,” accused Saleng Sangma.
He spoke about the problems in education and the difficulties being faced by parents in sending their children to schools.
“Go to the villages, and even towns, you will be shocked to know that wherever there are 2-3 children or more in a family only one is going to school. When you ask their parents they say they cannot afford to send everyone to school. This is shocking!” said Saleng Sangma and mentioned that he himself has come across several such cases in recent weeks.
Besides food price, fee hike and low wages, the congress has also targeted the government on the rise in electricity bills questioning the method in billing.
“Light bills that previously were Rs 100-200 are now charged Rs 500-800 per household. The weaker sections of society are the most impacted and the government needs to look into this issue because voters want a government that addresses their problems,” suggested the congress candidate.
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