Meghalaya government brands Amit Paul as ambassador for peace

Shillong, Aug 29 (UNI) Meghalaya government has decided to make Amit Paul, one of the four finalists of 'Indian Idol' the brand ambassador for 'peace, communal harmony and excellence'.

The government's decision assumed significance as the Indian Idol III talent contest entered a crucial stage, where only four contestants were left vying for the title.

''The state government is behind Amit Paul and has appealed to all Meghalayans to vote for the Shillong lad,'' Chief Minister D D Lapang told senior government officials here to drum up support for the Shillong-born swanky singer.

''I am very proud of Amit Paul and it proves that music breaks all barriers and brings unity in diversity,'' the Chief Minister said, adding that Paul symbolises communal harmony as he had managed to break the barriers of communal divide.

To ensure that the Shillong lad wins the title, Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee, even spoke to his West Bengal counterpart to garner support for Amit.

West Bengal, however, has its own candidate in the form of Prashant Tamang who is working with the West Bengal police.

BJP Legislator A L Hek, who was also present at the meeting to discuss the issue, said that he had sponsored five PCOs in his locality so that people could vote for Amit Paul for free. He also urged others to do the same.

UNI