Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said massive efforts will be made to ensure that the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Mizoram receive direct funding from the Centre.
Union minister and BJP leader Rijiju arrived in Mizoram on Wednesday to launch a campaign for election to Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC), headquartered at Lawngtlai in the southern part of the state.
Polling for the 25-member council will be held on December 4.
Also read: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju arrives in Mizoram to campaign for Lai Autonomous District Council polls
Addressing a rally in Lawngtlai on Thursday, Rijiju said the Centre will pass the Sixth Schedule Amendment Bill to usher in development in ADC areas.
He said the Centre will make massive efforts to provide direct funding to the ADCs because they used to face problems on several occasions as the state government used to delay the release of funds.
Citing that the LADC needs better development, the BJP leader said the development did not reach the area as it should be.
“We will make massive efforts to give more power to the council and develop the area if the BJP is elected to power. The LADC will be able to carry out more development works when the Centre gives it more funds,” Rijiju said.
Till recently BJP had just nominal presence in Mizoram but people's faith in the leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji and BJP has turned around the situation. Due to massive support from the local people @BJP4India is now leading in Lai Autonomous District Council election. pic.twitter.com/G6EzcG0AMS
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 26, 2020
He said Phawngpui Tlang (Blue Mountain) in Lawngtlai district will be improved and upgraded under eco-tourism for tourist attractions which will generate employment for the people.
“Important sports infrastructure will be set up and more development packages will be provided to the council if the BJP and its allies come to power in the upcoming polls,” he said.
He said the BJP-led NDA government gives priority to the development of the northeastern region.
Expressing concern over the dilapidated road condition in the LADC area, Rijiju said the Centre will give priority to improvement of road connective in the area if the BJP is elected to power.
Rijiju was accompanied by BJP national spokesperson and Nagaland MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon, who is also the party in-charge of Mizoram.
The Union minister left for Delhi in the afternoon.
At least 72 candidates are in the fray for the upcoming LADC polls slated for December 4.
According to state election commission secretary, Teresy Vanlalhruaii, the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) has fielded 25 seats, BJP 17 and Congress will contest in 14 seats.
There are 16 independent candidates, she said.
A total of 51456 electorates, including 26104 female voters, will decide the fate of 72 candidates.
Counting of votes will take place on December 8.