SHILLONG: The UDP has decided to keep equidistance from the BJP and the Congress in the run-up to the 2018 Assembly polls.
The ongoing trouble over cow slaughter in different states and BJP’s certain parochial policies are the reasons for UDP to keep away from the saffron brigade. On the other hand, UDP cited the State Government’s lavish spending and Chief Minister Mukul Sangma’s reluctance in asking his Cabinet ministers Ampareen Lyngdoh and HDR Lyngdoh to quit for their varied omissions and commissions as reasons for dumping the Congress for any alliance.
UDP leader Bindo Lanong said on Sunday that after the UP elections, BJP is dictating terms to the country, which is not acceptable. “Imposition of any sorts by BJP regarding food habits and other customs and traditions will not be tolerated,” Lanong said.
According to Lanong, BJP should come clear as to what is its agenda for the North East.
On the comments of the chief minister that UDP considers BJP as a like-minded party, Lanong said Mukul’s question is simple to answer. “Whether the desire of the Congress is that we should be close to it. We will not be closer to the Congress because of the failure of the ruling party on all fronts.”
The government has spent crores of rupees on lavish lifestyle. There is corruption, scams and lack of knowledge about budgeting on the part of the Government, the UDP leader said.
“The Congress ministers openly alter the right by the wrong. Look at Ampareen for favouring rejected candidates for jobs in the Education Department and HDR Lyngdoh for running an inn where minors are brought for flesh trade and sadly these people are in the Government,” Lanong said.
He said while the Congress is even prepared to work with devils, UDP will strike a deal with like-minded parties.
