Rakkam jibes VPP for criticizing govt over musical concerts

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 16, 2024

NPP leader and cabinet minister Rakkam A Sangma on Monday asked the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) whether they would disallow all artists to perform musical concerts in Shillong if they are voted to power in the state.

His statement came as a reaction to the allegation made by the VPP that musical concerts are like painkillers for people to forget about corruption and the problems faced by the state.

“In case if one day they (VPP) form the government they will not allow artists  like the Shillong Chamber Choir to perform in Shillong. This is something which I think does not sound good for the young people of our state…I don’t know what they mean (by saying painkiller). Is it because they don’t like the music? So if I’m not wrong, their families, their supporters might have also joined the audience on that day (at the Bryan Adams’ concert),” Sangma said.

“…in case they come to power that means they will not allow the artist to perform in Shillong. This does not sound good and this is a very discouraging agenda and message to which the young people of our state will not agree with,” he added.

THe minister said that he wishes that many more shows, which are much greater than the Bryan Adams’ concert, should happen in Meghalaya.

“If Rakkam Sangma performs in Polo ground, will people come to Shillong? Will hotels be filled with people? Nobody (will come). However during the Bryan Adams concert, we have seen every hotel is full, every shop is full, every vehicle is full as many people have come from (many places) including Assam and they are investing in the state. Therefore it is not about music only,” he asserted.

“Therefore, somebody in this generation not approving the world artist from coming to Shillong, this is very unfortunate where every citizen of Shillong loves to listen to music, love to sing,” the minister also added.