Shillong, Sept 7: Vice‑President CP Radhakrishnan on Monday laid foundation stones for five development projects in Shillong with a combined estimated cost of ₹1,010.95 crore during his maiden visit to Meghalaya, and paid tribute to the role played by the late Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma in national politics.
Radhakrishnan recalls long association with P A Sangma
Speaking at the event, the Vice‑President recalled his association with the former Speaker and minister, saying their relationship was "very strong and quite old", and lauded Sangma's public service record. He referred to Sangma's tenure as a Union minister and as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, saying the late leader left a notable imprint on Indian politics.
"As mentioned by the Chief Minister, my relationship with P A Sangma was very strong and quite old. We all know, and the entire country knows, P A Sangma ji. I am very proud to remember him here," the Vice‑President said.
The Vice‑President's remarks followed an acknowledgment of Sangma's contribution to the national political landscape, described at the ceremony as memorable both in parliamentary and ministerial roles.
Project announcements and public expectations
According to the report of the event, five projects were formally initiated by the Vice‑President during his visit. The combined financial outlay for these projects has been put at ₹1,010.95 crore. Specific details on the individual schemes, their sectoral focus, or implementation timelines were not provided in the report.
- Visitor: Vice‑President CP Radhakrishnan (on maiden visit to Meghalaya)
- Tribute: Remembered late P A Sangma’s contribution as minister and Lok Sabha Speaker
- Development action: Foundation stones for five projects worth ₹1,010.95 crore laid in Shillong
Local leaders at the ceremony referenced the late Sangma while introducing the Vice‑President. The report states the Chief Minister had earlier remarked on the close ties between Radhakrishnan and Sangma; the Vice‑President reiterated that observation in his address.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of projects | 5 |
| Total estimated cost | ₹1,010.95 crore |
| Visit significance | Vice‑President's maiden visit to Meghalaya |
Context and likely implications
Officials and local stakeholders will now await further disclosures on the scope and sectors covered by the five projects, including timelines, funding sources and executing agencies. For Shillong residents, the inauguration of projects with a combined outlay above ₹1,000 crore raises expectations concerning job creation, infrastructure improvement and public services, but the report on the ceremony did not provide the project-wise breakdown that would clarify immediate local impacts.
In national political terms, the Vice‑President's public recollection of P A Sangma underscores the continuing resonance of the late leader's work in Meghalaya and beyond. Radhakrishnan's remarks, as recorded at the event, framed Sangma's contributions in both ministerial and parliamentary capacities.
The report did not include further comment from state officials on the projects' technical or financial arrangements, nor did it detail the subsequent schedule of the Vice‑President in the state. Stakeholders seeking particulars on individual projects will need to refer to official state releases or central government notifications that provide project documents and implementation plans.
As this account is based on the event report, details such as project components, implementing departments and expected completion dates remain to be publicly released by the government.
