SHILLONG, Feb 9: Two Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) constituents – United Democratic Party (UDP) and People’s Democratic Front (PDF) – have taken the Congress’ entry into the state government easy but it has seemingly divided another MDA component, BJP.
The UDP and the PDF said it is Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma’s prerogative to strengthen the ruling coalition by bringing the Congress on board.
“We were not consulted on this fresh political development. But I don’t think there is anything to be disappointed about since the CM in his capacity and wisdom can decide what is best for the ruling coalition,” UDP president, Metbah Lyngdoh said on Wednesday.
PDF president, Banteidor Lyngdoh said the CM had briefed him of the Congress’ move earlier in the day.
“I think it is a good move as this will further strengthen the MDA and benefit all allies,” Lyngdoh said.
He also said that he is not disappointed that the CM did not hold a discussion with the allies on the Congress MLAs’ decision.
BJP state president, Ernest Mawrie, who is awaiting a reaction from the party’s central leadership, said he would take up the matter with the CM.
While Mawrie is disappointed over the development, Cabinet minister and BJP MLA, Sanbor Shullai seems to have no issue in working with the Congress.
“As far as I am concerned I have no problem. Congress is but a mere party. Once we are elected from various parties, the vision and mission is to work for the development of the state. That should be the main aim of each and every elected member whichever party they may belong to,” Shullai said.
Senior BJP leader, AL Hek said the political development in the state was proof that the BJP was being accepted in Meghalaya. “Earlier, people did not want to work with BJP. Now they are coming together to work with the MDA government of which BJP is a part,” he said.
BJP National Council member, Bashailang Khongwir also supported the CM’s decision to welcome the Congress in the MDA.
Khongwir endorsed Hek’s statement that the latest political development will benefit the BJP. He said the Congress MLAs had always hurled wild allegations at the BJP and their entry into a government where the BJP is a component has proven that their charges were baseless.
Their support to the government means they have already merged with parties like NPP, UDP and BJP in the MDA, he said.
“The BJP should be happy about it as this will help the party in the upcoming Assembly elections in five states. Finally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of Congress-mukt Bharat is becoming a reality with Meghalaya leading the way,” Khongwir added.