Guwahati: Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani visited the state on February 25 to urge the people of Phulbari and Nangbah to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming elections on February 27 as the campaigning for the Meghalaya Assembly elections approaches its climax.
Irani urged voters to support the BJP government while riding a scooter and taking part in a roadshow, pointing to the party’s track record of giving the populace needs like rice, tea, and vaccines. If elected, she would also grant landless farmers Rs. 3000.
In a Facebook post, Irani wrote, “The ‘Dance of Democracy’! Appealed to the citizens of Phulbari and Nangbah in Meghalaya to vote for BJP Meghalaya and ensure development as the state goes to polls on 27 February.”
On her visit to the state, Irani—who is the Minister of Women and Child Development and Textiles—met with BJP leaders and backers.
The BJP is running in the state’s assembly elections in order to establish a new government in Meghalaya. The party has been actively campaigning, with officials like Irani travelling to the state to gain support.
On February 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed a sizable roadshow in Shillong and spoke to the crowd amid a controversy around allegedly offensive remarks made by members of the Congress party. Modi promised to fight for the development of the state while praising Meghalaya’s colourful traditions, breathtaking natural beauty, and talented people.
In the state, which has minimal growth and employment possibilities, the BJP aims to win a sizable vote share. The Prime Minister urged the populace to support the BJP in the approaching election, denouncing the outgoing administration for doing little to advance the state and exploiting it as an ATM. PM Modi expressed his belief that the BJP will establish a powerful and populist administration in Meghalaya.
The BJP is running candidates in each of the 60 seats up for election in the Meghalaya Legislature.
Meghalaya is one of the few northeastern states where the BJP has not yet been able to form a government; therefore the polls are being closely watched. The party, which has been attempting to increase its presence in the area, would receive a significant boost from winning in the state.