BJP riding piggyback on other parties to form govt: Mukul

SHILLONG: Outgoing Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has brought the regional parties together to ride piggyback on them and fire from their shoulder when it comes to forming the next state government.
Addressing his last press conference as CM here on Monday, Mukul said the NPP is forming the government courtesy the BJP.
Asked if the Congress could turn the tables to form a government in Meghalaya, Sangma replied that in a football match there are certain players who effect a turnaround and the Congress, too, has the wherewithal to do the same in any given situation and whenever needed.
Asked the reason for the UDP’s rejection of an alliance offer Sangma, who was chief minister for almost 8 years, said the UDP was offered two options: first, to lead with the Congress providing support for stability and second, to lead the state for a period of two and a half years with the Congress taking up the lead for the rest of the government’s tenure.
“They told us that we are too late in discussing the matter and also doubted whether the Congress would be able to provide any stability,” Sangma said, maintaining that historically such coalition arrangements formed by the NPP with many partners have failed to provide stability.
According to Sangma, UDP president Donkupar Roy had told him that the issue of an alliance between the UDP and HSPDP should have been discussed earlier; however, the outgoing CM had reminded Roy that the latter had himself said that any discussion regarding a possible alliance should be held later.
Meanwhile, Sangma said there would be tremendous responsibility on the new dispensation, adding that the most important achievement of the Congress government was to set up a benchmark for growth and development in the state.
“I will expect the new government to carry forward the momentum of growth and ensure that it is not dislocated,” he said.
According to Sangma, the new dispensation should examine and study the various initiatives taken by its predecessor, especially with regard to the IBDLP initiative of the Congress government which should be continued.
Sangma further alleged that some political parties took advantage of NCP candidate Jonathone Sangma’s assassination by the GNLA, accusing the Congress, and even the chief minister, of having a hand in the affair, which was unfortunate and uncalled for.
“Just for the purpose of seeking votes, they misled and misinformed people but we must remember that terrorists are terrorists. They are nobody’s friend and everybody’s enemy,” he said.
The ex-CM said he is happy that the Congress has been able to restore peace and hope in the state. Asked as to which seat he would resign from since he has been elected from both Songsak and Ampati, Sangma replied he would discuss the matter with the electorate before taking a call.