MNF failed to fulfill peoples' needs: Aiyyar

Aizawl, Oct 9: Minister for the Development of North-East Region (DoNER) Mani Shankar Aiyer has accused the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) of failing to fulfil the public aspirations of safe drinking water.

Referring to the cyclic bamboo flowering (Mautam) and its resultant rats proliferation, Aiyer said '' Your rice have been eaten by the rats and the ruling MNF drunk water ''.

Addressing a public meeting at Serchhip town in southern Mizoram yesterday, the DoNER minister said eighteen months had passed after he inaugurated the Greater Aizawl Water Supply Scheme Phase-II, but not even a single drop of water has been distributed to the public.

'' Even as 90 percent of the sanctioned fund have been spent on the project, only 50 percent of works have been completed '' he alleged adding funds kept flowing in from the Centre, but the MNF leaders pocketed it.

He further alleged that since the southern parts of Mizoram are Congress' stronghold, the MNF government has been totally neglecting it. There are many villages where the chief minister and his ministers never set their foot.

Underlining the UPA government's generosity to Mizoram, Mr Aiyer stated that the state plan fund had been increased to Rs 6000 crores from Rs 3000 during the NDA rule.

Mr Aiyar is campaigning for the Congress party ahead of the state assembly elections to be held in November-December and will proceed to eastern parts of Mizoram today after arriving at Aizawl from the south, Congress sources said.

UNI