TURA:
Two rebel Trinamool Congress members, who were contenders for the party ticket in North Tura constituency and have since left for the BJP, have termed the party’s promise of financial aid to women and the youth as a poll gimmick that will not see the day of implementation as it will involve funds worth over Rs 600 crore each month in a small state like Meghalaya.
The two top contenders for the Trinamool ticket, former Congress MLA Noverfield R Marak and Adamkid M Sangma, have picked holes in the Trinamool drive to register thousands of voters under the Women Empowerment (WE) and MY (Youth) card schemes with a promise of financial assistance.
While women have been promised a thousand rupees each month under WE card and the youth, from ages 21 to 40 years, financial aid under MY card, all doesn’t appear to be well, going by what the rebel candidates have to say.
“We were the first to join the TMC since its inception in Meghalaya and have worked tirelessly. But then TMC chairperson (Mamata Banerjee) came to Shillong in December and launched the WE card. Registrations have crossed the 2-lakh figure. We began to express doubt and questioned our leadership as to where the money will come from. They said not to worry and funds will come, but from where they didn’t clarify,” claimed Adamkid M Sangma while speaking to media persons on Monday evening in the presence of Noverfield Marak.
He said the launch of a second scheme without any proper data on fund generation made them sit up and take notice.
“They launched a second scheme called MYcard assuring financial aid for the youth. They began launching one scheme after another, which was nothing but freebies, and we as leaders were unsatisfied with their replies because there was no sound financial evidence as to where they will get the money to pay over two lakh people each month. With around Rs 3000 for each household promised that would make the state provide Rs 600 crore each month and in a year over 7000 crores which is impossible and impractical. We as leaders would be made answerable to the people who are being taken on a false promise,” said Adamkid as he cited their decision to move away from the Bengal party to the saffron camp.
“I will be answerable along with my workers when the time comes. These schemes are not going to be a success. It is impossible!” clarified Adamkid Sangma.