Dirang: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday urged the people of Arunachal Pradesh to assess the development in the northeast, especially in the state, since the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014.
“This is the first time post-independence that we have witnessed such massive development in the northeast, and our state, and all the credit goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has given utmost importance to the region,” said Khandu.
Speaking at a developmental-cum-interaction program at the St Lopon Stadium, he highlighted PM Modi’s extensive travels in the northeast, which have given him an understanding of the challenges faced by the people. Khandu noted that the PM has acknowledged that “India will grow if the northeast grows.”
Khandu highlighted several developmental activities under the BJP regime in Arunachal Pradesh, including the establishment of an airport at Hollingi, the state’s first medical college (TRIHMS), and improved road connectivity to remote areas such as Vijaynagar in Changlang district and Tali in Kra Daadi. He emphasized that the primary focus of the present government has always been improving road connectivity, healthcare, and education.
“Our focus will remain the same if the people vote the BJP government back to power again. Arunachal has great potential in the agricultural, horticultural, and tourism sectors, and to address that, we need to build a good road network, and everything will follow suit,” Khandu said.
The chief minister stressed the significance of primary education as the cornerstone of a child’s future. He highlighted the implementation of special measures to enhance the Early Child Care Education (ECCE) System, including the establishment of over 700 ECCEs and Anganwadi Centres throughout the state.
The chief minister while addressing the mammoth gathering also made some major announcements like promoting Vijayanagar as a tourism hotspot, connecting Pipsorang with road, increasing the number of seats for Arunachalees at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) from 50 to 100, establishing advance landing grounds at Dirang and Anini among others.
Addressing the gathering, local MLA Phurpa Tsering said, “Past elections in Dirang were marred by severe violence and even tragic incidents. It is incumbent upon our leaders to prevent such occurrences. Fortunately, we have successfully eliminated electoral violence in Dirang.”
Tsering also acknowledged the contributions of past MLAs, particularly Tsering Gyurme, noting the completion of various projects initiated during Gyurme’s tenure.
“I prefer not to engage in blame games, but let’s reflect on the state of Dirang five years ago. Today, we take pride in our hospital, which now serves patients from other districts as well. The list of developments is extensive, and I urge you all to document these achievements. Should you find any discrepancies, please utilize RTIs,” Tsering encouraged.
Tsering won his first election as the MLA of Dirang in 2009, representing the People’s Party of Arunachal. He was re-elected unopposed in both 2014 and 2019.
State BJP president Biyuram Wahge also addressed the gathering and acknowledged the development the state has witnessed under the leadership of Khandu and PM Modi.
Chief Minister Khandu earlier inaugurated 40 developmental projects and laid down foundation stones for another 14 in Dirang and its adjoining areas. The projects include a road from Hamilton Bridge to Khasso village, road from Chung bridge to DIET center, the Science Centre and Planetarium, Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall, and the EWS Housing Project, among several others.
The day also saw the chief minister hand over one BHK apartment under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna to 320 beneficiaries of the area.
Khandu also flagged off the Arunachal Grameen Express Yojana, providing Mahindra Bolero pickup vehicles to beneficiaries of four Self-Help Groups of Dirang valley.
Among others, MLAs Dongru Siongju, Dorjee Wangdi Kharma, and Kumsi Sidiso, West Kameng deputy commissioner Akriti Sagar, SP Sudhanshu Dhama, GBs, public leaders were present on the occasion.
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