SHILLONG, March 9: A day after insiders in the state BJP aired their discontent with the handling of the recently concluded Assembly elections by top leaders of the party, BJP spokesperson M Kharkrang on Thursday gave the thumbs up to the efforts if the central leadership, stating that the state unit of the BJP was provided all necessary resources in the run-up to the elections.
“I acknowledge the invaluable and immeasurable contribution of my party workers, especially the central leadership, who have left no stone unturned in providing all resources in the campaign,” he said.
He also recalled how star campaigners of BJP, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, visited the state capital as well as North Shillong constituency to garner support for the party.
Informing that discussions, which were democratic in nature, were held with central leaders and the BJP Assam team, Kharkrang said, “There were also consultations in all important decision-making processes.”
Admitting that although the BJP’s performance may not have been up to the mark this year, but the “patience, character, dignity of service, as well as attributes and values exhibited throughout the campaign” is something that he will always treasure.
He also expressed his gratitude to his supporters and party workers, and congratulated the newly elected representatives.
It may be mentioned that due to the BJP’s underwhelming performance during the Assembly elections, many in the party have put a question mark on the capability of its top leadership to woo the Christian voters in Meghalaya despite intense campaigning.
Not only did they resent the “side-lining” of the state leaders during the election process, the party insiders had also said they are unhappy with the role BJP national vice-president, M Chuba Ao, played as the Meghalaya in-charge.
They had argued that Ao failed to remove the “anti-Christian tag” on the BJP in the state.
There also have been allegations that Ao spent more time travelling in choppers between Shillong and Tura than strategising the party’s campaign with local leaders.