Meghalaya BJP legislator and senior party leader A.L. Hek, who represents the Pynthorumkhrah Assembly constituency, on Monday credited the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government for driving development initiatives in the state, saying the Centre has consistently extended financial support and dispatched multiple Union Ministers to Meghalaya to accelerate growth across key sectors.

What Hek Said

Speaking to reporters in Shillong, Hek acknowledged the Centre's proactive role in sanctioning development packages for the state while placing the onus of execution squarely on the state government. 'I would like to thank the Prime Minister for sending a marathon of Union Ministers to Meghalaya along with development packages. The responsibility now lies with the state government to properly implement these schemes so that people receive their intended benefits,' he said.

Hek elaborated that once funds and schemes are approved by the Centre, their delivery depends on the respective state departments. 'If a package is meant for the Public Works Department, it is the responsibility of the PWD to execute the projects. Similarly, schemes relating to the health sector must be implemented by the Health Department so that the benefits reach the people,' he added.

BJP vs NPP: The Credit Dispute

Reacting to claims by the ruling National People's Party (NPP) that it deserves recognition for various development programmes, Hek firmly asserted that the origin of the schemes was not in question. 'Any political party may claim credit, but everyone knows these schemes have come under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He heads the NDA government and belongs to the BJP. The support and assistance extended to Meghalaya have come because of the BJP-led government at the Centre,' he said.

This comes amid an ongoing tussle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the NPP — which leads the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition government — over ownership of Central development funds flowing into the state. The BJP, though a junior partner in the coalition, has been increasingly vocal about its role as the conduit for Central resources.

Development Not Tied to Elections, Says Hek

Rejecting suggestions that the Centre's development push was motivated by upcoming elections, Hek maintained that growth should not be viewed through a political lens. 'Development is a continuous process and is not connected with elections. We are expecting more support for Meghalaya, particularly in tourism, sports and healthcare, and the Centre has been responding positively to our requests,' he said.

Sectors in Focus

Hek specifically flagged tourism, sports infrastructure, and healthcare as priority areas where Meghalaya is seeking enhanced Central assistance. The BJP legislator said his party has been continuously urging the Union government to extend greater support to the state, and that the Centre remains committed to Meghalaya's overall development.

With Meghalaya's coalition dynamics remaining fluid and Central fund flows a recurring political flashpoint, the BJP's push to establish ownership over development narratives is likely to intensify in the months ahead.