Cong candidates target local parties over NPP ties

SHILLONG: Aspiring Congress candidates have criticised the regional parties for having an alliance with the NPP in the state citing NPP’s link with the BJP.
Speaking to reporters, Congress candidate Ronnie Lyngdoh said the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 is meant to transform the Khasi state into a Hindu one. He went on to say that it means “one country and one religion” and hence the BJP intends to bring Hindus from other countries.
Stating that the regional parties such as UDP, HSPDP and PDF should withdraw support to the NPP, the former minister said the regional parties are embracing a party which has given space to two BJP MLAs.
He went on to add that the NPP and the regional parties are part of NEDA and argued that the parties should have followed in the footsteps of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) which withdrew its support to the BJP in Assam.
On poll prospects, he said that people are wise enough to see who is fit to be a representative and added that the district council is meant to safeguard the people of the state.
Meanwhile, Congress candidate and former Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) general secretary Auguster Jyrwa said he joined the Congress as he saw it is the only party that can fight against the BJP.
According to him, BJP is making attempts to suppress the rights of the minorities, especially the Christians.
“The regional parties have links with the BJP though they may deny. They are also part of the NPP led government which has two BJP MLAs,” he said. He added that he has been with the KSU for 18 years and felt it is the right time for him to enter politics.
On the issue of Inner Line Permit and entry-exit points, he said demand for ILP will still continue.