Shillong: Union minister of state for tourism Alphons Kannanthanam on Friday lashed out at the Congress's claims of peace, prosperity and stability in Meghalaya and accused its president Rahul Gandhi of insulting the state's people and churches by alleging that the BJP was trying to buy churches with money.

Speaking to reporters here, the minister said the Centre has sanctioned around Rs 70 crore for developing the infrastructure of not only churches, but also of temples, gurdwaras, mosques and places of worship for people belonging to the indigenous community.

"The Congress was in power in Delhi for 70 years and nearly 45years in Meghalaya. What have you done for the Christians of this state? You gave nothing to the Northeast in 70 years and did nothing for Meghalaya. Now, if the government is doing something for Christians you are alleging bribing the Church. It is very shameful that the president of a national party is insulting churches in Meghalaya," Alphons said.

Attacking the Congress's claims of peace, prosperity and stability in the state, Alphons alleged "complete breakdown of law and order especially when NCP candidate Jonathone N. Sangma died in an IED blast and Meghalaya home minister H.D.R. Lyngdoh's son runs a guesthouse where a girl was sexually assaulted".

Lashing out at the Congress, Alphons said: "Is this the peace you are talking about? Where is prosperity? There are no schools and teachers, students have to walk for hours to go to a high school, no medical college despite laying of foundation stones, no technical schools, no jobs, no hospitals, no doctors, no nurses and no medicines. There is no electricity and people face frequent power cut. Despite sufficient rainfall, there is no water and people do not get proper drinking water. There is no proper healthcare and women are dying while delivering. The Congress has no right to seek vote again."

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly stated that to have or retain or adopt a religion is a personal choice.