CM’s 1000-cr sops ahead of civic polls

GUWAHATI: Chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday promised to provide a Rs 1,000-crore package to the state’s urban areas if Congress wins the February 9 election to the urban civic bodies.
Gogoi’s benevolence is being seen as an attempt to woo back urban voters who aligned with BJP in the Lok Sabha election. In spite of controlling 60% of the state’s municipal bodies, Congress was defeated by BJP in the urban centres in the Lok Sabha election.
Election to the 74 municipal boards and town committees is going to be a litmus test for Congress and BJP before the assembly election next year.
Gogoi admitted that people in towns did not vote for Congress in the parliamentary polls. “I cannot say why people in the towns did not vote for us. In the past, I have said I do not require votes from the towns, but, now, I am seeking their votes.”
He added, “In the last five years, we have spent over Rs 500 crore on development schemes for urban areas. We now propose to double the amount if we win the February polls.”
The chief minister said, “The NDA government has announced to set up smart cities in the country and we do not know if the list includes Guwahati. We will develop the state’s small towns. Besides amenities like car parking and market sheds, Rs 25,000 will be given for homeless persons in urban areas.”
He added, “Special schemes will be announced for rickshaw-pullers and petty traders. Interest subsidy on bank loans will be provided to petty traders. Hostels for working persons, skill development centres, sports and music facilities and special packages for small towns will be introduced.”