Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 June 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, recently met with Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah at the latter’s residence in New Delhi to discuss a series of critical concerns affecting the people of the Islands.
During the meeting, MP Ray conveyed the growing dissatisfaction among island residents regarding the current administrative leadership. He strongly urged the removal of Admiral D.K. Joshi from the post of Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, advocating for the appointment of a development-focused and welfare-oriented individual who would work in the best interests of the Islanders. Mr. Amit Shah gave a patient hearing and assured that the sentiments expressed would be given due consideration, adding that a replacement would be made.
The MP also highlighted the pressing issue of inadequate financial support for local governance bodies, including Panchayati Raj Institutions and the Municipal Council. He noted that severe funding curtailments have stalled vital developmental works such as road construction, drinking water pipeline projects, and civic infrastructure improvements—despite over three years having passed in the current term of these bodies. The Home Minister assured MP Ray that the matter would be looked into, and also agreed to meet PRI representatives in ten days for detailed deliberations.
Healthcare emerged as another major point of concern during the meeting. Mr. Ray stressed the urgent need to upgrade medical infrastructure and improve healthcare services across the Islands. In response, Mr. Amit Shah assured that the matter would be seriously addressed.
Additionally, MP Ray requested the Hon’ble Minister’s intervention in expediting the appointment of a new State President and General Secretary (Organisation) for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to strengthen the party’s organisational framework in the territory. The Home Minister assured that the issue would be resolved soon.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Amit Shah for the warm reception and for positively responding to the concerns raised, reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of the Islanders.