State BJP quiet on pullout from MDA

SHILLONG, Sep 25: The state BJP appears to have second thoughts about pulling out of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government.
The party has gone quiet almost a month after threatening to withdraw support to the Conrad K Sangma-led alliance government. There is no word from its central leadership too about “taking a call” on the move.
“We are awaiting direction from the central leadership,” state BJP chief Ernest Mawrie said on Sunday.
He denied any lack of communication between the state leaders and the BJP’s central leadership over the issue. “We have no differences and the joint coordinator for the Northeast, Rituraj Sinha will visit tomorrow to discuss the party organisation,” he said.
On September 3, the BJP’s national vice-president and Meghalaya in charge, M. Chuba Ao said the party may withdraw support from the National People’s Party-led MDA within a month.
He also said discussions were on at various levels for arriving at a decision.
“The state BJP is preparing all the papers on various corruption allegations against the state government and the CBI will handle the charges once they acquire all the papers,” he had said.
Senior BJP leader AL Hek also said the party is firm on its decision and the high command will take the decision at an appropriate time.
On a party member addressing a press conference in the name of the BJP, Mawrie said it was an anti-party act.
“We have not decided to give tickets to anybody. There are many aspirants and I have seen a few people going to the media on behalf of the party which is very wrong. They are not authorised to do so,” he said.
Mawrie said the party’s central leadership has issued a circular making it mandatory for seeking permission before going to the press.
Hek said more and more people seeking to contest from the BJP is a good sign. “The BJP is an emerging party in Meghalaya, and it will lead the government in 2023, which is why many are keen on joining us,” he said.
Asked about Trinamool Congress MLA Hima Shangpliang and Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla being spotted at the RSS event, he said could have been there to experience the programme.