SHILLONG, Feb 6: The NPP and the BJP, which shared a bittersweet relationship for the past 5 years despite being partners in the ruling MDA, are now trading their guns on each other once again ahead of the elections with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma finally retaliating to what he called a slanderous campaign being run by the saffron party.
With sheer tenacity, Conrad on Monday predicted that the BJP has no future in Meghalaya. He claimed that the saffron party would not win more than two seats in the February 27 polls.
Addressing an election meeting at Machangpani under Dalu constituency to drum up support for NPP candidate Brening A Sangma, the CM cautioned the BJP against propagating a misinformation campaign in Garo Hills by telling the people that FOCUS and FOCUS+ were central schemes.
“BJP leaders are saying PM Kisan has been renamed to FOCUS and FOCUS+, which is not correct. FOCUS scheme is a flagship programme launched by the NPP-led MDA Government to ensure financial assistance to farmers and producer groups who were hit hard during the Covid-19 pandemic. Both programmes are unique to the state,” he said.
Conrad also clarified that PM Kisan could not be implemented in Meghalaya because most farmers in the state do not own land.
He added that BJP has no option or issue to counter NPP and was resorting to cheap tactics.
At the same time, Conrad also highlighted the wave in favour of the NPP and said many leaders from BJP including sitting MDC Dhormonath Sangma joined the NPP.
“People should not waste their vote on any other political party. Political wind for 2023 is sweeping the entire state…the voice of the people is clear…NPP is heading for absolute majority,” he said.
Taking another dig at the BJP, Conrad said the saffron party had denied ticket to grassroots leaders like Promod Koch (GHADC MDC from Barengapara under Dalu constituency), since it was the policy of the party to neglect grassroots leaders and choose candidates who have connections with the party high command.
Koch is contesting as an independent candidate from Dalu.
