Aizawl: Union minister of state for road transport and highway Mansukh L. Mandaviya on Saturday blamed the Congress-led Mizoram government for the poor condition of roads across the state and accused it of neglecting highway development and not utilising the funds sanctioned by the Centre for the purpose of road improvement in the state.

Addressing a welcome reception at the BJP office here on Saturday evening, Mandaviya said he was sceptical about the manner in which the Mizoram government was using funds meant for development of roads in the state.

He said the Centre has sanctioned crores of rupees for the construction and improvement of roads in Mizoram. "If the state government had spent the allocated funds properly, there would not have been bad roads in the state."

He also alleged that the state government constructs and renovates roads on the eve of elections just to get votes.

"The Congress-led Mizoram government builds roads just on paper and to save its face. No sincere attention is ever given to it. The state government is hesitant to construct roads because it fears it would bring good reputation to the BJP-led central government," Mandaviya alleged.

He said if the BJP comes to power in the Assembly elections, it would take a massive effort to bring all-round development in Mizoram, make the state a role model for other states and a tourist destination.

He also heaped praise on Mizoram as one of the most comfortable places, blessed with favourable climate when compared to other states.

Expressing happiness over the formation of the BJP-led government in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), Mandaviya said the most interesting and unique thing about the CADC election was the formation of the United Legislature Party (ULP) by six elected Congress members, who gave unconditional support to the BJP-led government by leaving their party identity.

He said many Congress leaders and party workers in the country have reposed faith in Narendra Modi and have switched over to the BJP.

"The formation of the BJP-led government, supported by six Congress members in the CADC, signifies the Congress is losing public confidence in Mizoram," Mandaviya said.