Headlines Today, a premier news channel reported on Sunday that people in Sikkim have stopped counting the cost. They are going all out to ensure Prashant Tamang become Indian Idol. Yes they are putting their money where their mouths are, some at great cost, to vote for their local hero. Other sources maintain that in North Bengal and Sikkim the voting fervour for Tamang has augmented considerably. The question now is whether Meghalaya can keep up the tempo to back its own hero and brand ambassador to the very last? Having brought Amit thus far it would be cruel if people are to let him down at this most crucial juncture.

Interestingly, in Jaintia Hills the story is a bit different. Voting for Amit Paul is on the upswing. Melian Ryngkhlem, President of the Saralin Sports, Social and Cultural Club which has spearheaded the Amit campaign reported that all PCOs in Jowai, Khliehriat and Lad Rymbai are taken up by the Club. Ryngkhlem says, most of these PCOs, are sponsored by local MDC, Thomas Nongtdu. The Club has been working round the clock to ensure a steady non-stop voting for the singer.

An ardent Amit fan, Ms J Nongdhar says this is the time people should stand together and show their magnanimity'. 'Considering that Meghalaya has so many big corporate houses doing brisk business here with offices in Kolkata and Delhi and also enjoying huge subsidies, the least they can do is rise to the occasion', Nongdhar added. In a largely attended meeting of the SAMLF today, the Forum made a fervent appeal to the people of Shillong to send at least one hundred votes each for Amit. At the meeting several young entrepreneurs volunteered to sponsor PCOs and distribute free SIM cards.

In the Indian Idol II, the winner got a total vote of 1.6 crores. If Amit is to win the title Meghalaya would have to work really hard because he would need at least a tally of two crore votes. Attendants at the meeting felt that there are enough people in Meghalaya who would stand up and be counted if they were approached in the right spirit. The point is how to mobilize them to come forward. Meanwhile, Kunal Mordani, Secretary of the Forum informed that all donations made to SAMLF would be accounted for and audited. A bank account for the purpose has been opened. Donors and Sponsors can contact Mordani at Bombay Bytes, Khyndailad.

Just how much affection and respect Amit Paul has been able to kindle in the hearts of Meghalayans and whether we really back him as our brand ambassador will be visible in the next few days as the voting hots up. Amit has the talent and the personality of an all-rounder. His rendition of the Punjabi hit, 'Bulla ki jaana main kaun' on Saturday last was out of this world. Amit has left no stone unturned to put Shillong and Meghalaya in the national consciousness. No amount spent on advertising would have got the State so much publicity. Today the general opinion is that the Chief Minister of Meghalaya should emulate his counterpart in Sikkim and back Amit Paul all the way. 'Just making him a brand ambassador of peace, communal harmony and excellence is not good enough. He has to win the Indian Idol title to do justice to the title conferred on him. He needs the votes. So will the Chief Minister please stand up and be counted?' appealed a member of the Forum. Source: Shillongtimes