SHILLONG: The State BJP on Tuesday reshuffled its committees in Garo Hills following the resignation of two leaders over beef controversy.
BJP State head Shibun Lyngdoh named Edmund Sangma as in charge of Tura city, a post left vacant by Bernard N. Marak, and Paul R. Marak for the North Garo Hills district president post, formerly held by Bachu Marak.
Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said the reshuffle was a “normal procedure” in view of the upcoming elections.
“The party feels that we should reshuffle and face the elections. The BJP is trying to rope in people who will work for the party,” he added.
Observing that the existing party workers and those who have resigned have worked to the maximum capacity, Lyngdoh said, “The party feels at this juncture, we need to streamline things to prepare for the elections.”
When asked about the resignation of Bernard and Bachu, Lyngdoh downplayed their desertion saying one should have some agenda to leave a party.
“Let the people judge. There are people who come to work for the party and there are people who come to seek a ticket. And when they find that it is not possible to get a ticket they say something like your house is not proper,” he added.
Commenting on Bernard’s resignation over cow slaughter issue, he said, “It is his personal agenda but from our party, he knows better that he will be called for the explanation.”
Lyngdoh further stated that Bernard has not submitted the full team of his district committee and he could not complete his mandal committees and there are no polling booth committees.
“The party feels that he should at least give clarification but before that he has resigned. We cannot stop him (from quitting),” he said.
When asked on whether the resignation of the members will have any impact on the party, Lyngdoh said, “It is very good as when 2 or 4 leave the party, there will be 10-11 people who will join the party.”
New GH heads
Besides Edmund Sangma, other in charges are Rikman Momin (East garo Hills), KC Boro (West Garo Hills), Pramod Koch (West Garo Hills), Santosh Marak (South Garo Hills), Premananda Koch (South West Garo Hills) and Digros D. Shira (North Garo Hills). Md. Sofior Rahman is the president of Minority Morcha.
The district presidents, besides Paul R. Marak, are Rakesh Marak (East Garo Hills), Pesath Sangma (West Garo Hills), Dillash Marak (Tura City), Ananda Koch (South West Garo Hills) and Banbuhai Makdoh (Ri Bhoi).
North Garo Hills BJP dissolved
Bachu Marak has dissolved the entire District Committee, District Mahila Morcha Committee, District Yuva Morcha Committee and the Mandal Committee.
In a statement to the media, he further added that they have denotified the BJP district party office, which was inaugurated by State President Lyngdoh.
“The Hindutva ideology which it (BJP) is imposing directly or indirectly on a Christian state cannot be accepted,” he said.
