SHILLONG: The newly-elected state BJP president, Ernest Mawrie, and a visiting central leader of the party on Tuesday refused to comment on implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act citing different reasons.
Speaking to media persons after being elected as the president, Mawrie said he could not comment because the matter was pending before the court.
Besides, he said, “I have to discuss the matter with the state leaders”.
He, however, reminded that the BJP had pledged to amend the citizenship law in its manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
But Mawrie said the party would welcome implementation of Inner Line Permit in the state as it is the demand of the people.
Asked about the BJP’s stand on exempting the state from the CAA, the party’s national secretary, Sunil Deodar, said he was not eligible to answer as he was not in charge of Meghalaya.
“I am here only to conduct the elections,” he said.
He, however, assured that the party will always be the go-between to inform its central leadership and the government about the demands and aspirations of the people of the state.
“As we are ruling, if there is any question or resentment among the people, the state unit of the BJP is the best mediator between the central government and the people. I am sure our leaders here will convey the sentiments of the people and the NGOs to the Prime Minister”, he said.
He also said that the Opposition parties are trying to create misconceptions about decisions taken by the Centre even though some of these are crystal clear.
He said that the party was open to discussions and they are here to convince the people.
“We will be able to convince the people of Meghalaya and clear their misconceptions… in a democracy there are always two sides to the coin and we welcome all criticism”, he added.
