SHILLONG, Feb 27: Senior BJP leader AL Hek has predicted a hung House in the state even as he claimed that nobody will be able to form the next government without the saffron party’s support.
After casting his vote at the Golf Club Dorbar Shnong polling station on Monday, Hek told journalists the BJP has worked very hard and that Meghalaya will have a BJP-led government.
“Nobody is going to get a majority and we will have to go for coalition. We will work with like-minded parties. Without BJP, no one can form a government here,” he asserted.
BJP national general secretary, Rituraj Sinha also exuded confidence that the party will be at the centre of government formation.
“BJP’s vote share will be more than double of the last time. Our seat count will shock most political commentators,” he claimed.
He said as the BJP’s vote share was only 9-10% in past elections with not many from the party among the winners, people would say the demography of the state is not naturally favourable for the party. But, he said, the results this time will shock many.
“I feel people voted on issues. The principal issue of this election is change,” Sinha said.
Stating that people know the development of the state suffered when Congress and other parties ruled, he said while the few, who were in power, had benefitted tremendously, the people of the state by and large did not get their roads, power connectivity, basic health care infrastructure etc. He said corruption is the root cause of all problems.
Referring to the families of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and Sniawbhalang Dhar, he said dynasties have an undue control over the legislature.
Sinha said the BJP had decided almost six months ago that it would field candidates in all 60 seats as the NPP was looking to do the same.
“I think we are clearly in a contest. People have tried Congress and regional parties and are looking to try a new option. Our party is the only viable option today if you want a change in Meghalaya,” he said.
Asked about UDP, Sinha said it holds sway only in pockets.
“The UDP has not been able to clearly state what their plans are for the next five years. I think people have reservations and concerns around that,” he said.
Stating that the Trinamool Congress has come to Meghalaya only for “election tourism”, he said there was no TMC in Meghalaya before 2018 elections and there will be no TMC here after 2023 elections.
