Editor,
Of late, a few erudite readers have voiced their feelings regarding the BJP through the columns of your newspaper. The authors of the letters claimed that they are not BJP party members but apolitical observers. The BJP can clarify whether or not the concerned authors are party members. If they are, then there is dissent in the party. If they are not then they are concerned that the BJP, which may and has the potential to be a serious alternative to the other national party in Meghalaya, is attracting rot and fungus into the party advertently or inadvertently thus rendering the party hollow from within.
The party honchos here had the golden opportunity to open their doors to the best in Meghalaya, but as can be expected from the myopic, they floundered because of their politico-business aspirations, where business comes first and service to the people takes a back seat. Members with no business aspirations have been long hounded out. Unfortunately for the people of Meghalaya the watchdogs that the BJP Delhi leadership sends to Meghalaya come here only because of the smell and sight of money. So much so that a few MLA’s from Jaintia Hills did not join the BJP because of excessive monetary demands made from them.
The State BJP Leadership stinks of corruption. As already pointed out by readers in earlier letters, the BJP City in-charge, is a front for the benami businesses of the BJP state treasurer. The BJP Shillong City President, is a retired sales tax officer of the Government of Meghalaya who the entire business community of Shillong acknowledges to have been the most corrupt official and who during his reign of terror fleeced traders of crores. A thumbs down to the BJP state leadership’s initiatives in the Prime Minister’s earnest fight against black money, benami, and corruption.
The person is also a kin of the BJP city-in-charge. The business community of Shillong heaved a collective sigh of relief when he retired. Recently a New Year’s party clip of the infamous Julius Dorphang has gone viral. Will the BJP clarify whether or not the lady in white top and maroon skirt amorously cavorting with the pedophile Julius Dorphang is the wife of the BJP Shillong City-in-charge?
The Meghalaya BJP State President is requested to deny that the lady in the white and blue dress, in the same video clip, is not his niece. Also will the BJP Shillong City In-charge deny that the rave party in the clip was not held in his house in Madanrting? If these revelations are true then resignations by these persons must be swift and voluntary. Analysing the above it is easy to understand why the BJP in this state is in the doldrums. From observations it is felt that there are members in the party who are sincere enough not to hanker for party tickets and who want to reach the party to the masses for the benefit of the masses.
It is time for these saner members of the party to act now and voice their opinions and concerns and desist from putting up the ostrich act. To jumpstart the BJP here, heavyweight politicians have to be welcomed into the party as was done in Assam. However, this will mean stripping the party of the corrupt and the Shylocks. If the positive corrective actions are initiated in earnest by the central think-tank the BJP in this state can still work its way to a few seats in the coming legislative elections and queer the pitch for the Congress Party.
Yours etc.,
Ridalyn Swer,
Shillong -2
Traditional heads have failed
Editor,
The loose ends of the law and the lack of proper knowledge by the investigating agencies is always a hindrance for people to get justice. This is what has happened vis-à-vis the sexual assault of a young girl at Mawryngkneng in which as alleged the role of the Sordar Shnong (Headman) and others is suspect. This resulted in the weakening of the rape survivor’s case and that of her lawyer in objecting to the bail petition of the Sordar. Having said that, it is also ironic that the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnongs (conglomerate of headmen) has not uttered a single word on this case leave aside condemning their own ilk, which reflects the way they work around issues. The very organisation that the Sordar of Mawryngkneng represents has lost its voice and credibility which exposes its duplicity in trying to shield its own member instead of reprimanding him. That a group of so-called supporters gave a ‘ hero’s welcome’ is a matter of shame for the entire Mawryngkneng village which should condemn the incident. Instead it seems that the people of Mawrynkneng are happy when criminals go scot-free while rape victims are reprimanded and threatened for approaching the court of law. If we keep our voices shut such incidents will continue unabated which is shameful for a community that calls itself ‘ Ka Jaidbynriew ba Tip Briew Tip Blei’.
Yours etc…
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong