Shangpliang hurls ‘nepotism’ charge on Mawrie, quits party
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 6: Trouble beckons Meghalaya BJP once again but this time the factors are not external.
The saffron party, which has often taken on its political rivals on the issue of dynastic politics across the country, is now staring at the same allegations against itself in Meghalaya.
Former BJP leader, Himalaya Muktan Shangpliang tendered his resignation from the party on Wednesday and is all set to don the NPP jersey from September 13.
While Shangpliang’s resignation was hardly a matter of surprise, the reason he gave for his decision is surely going to spell trouble for BJP state president, Ernest Mawrie.
Shangpliang claimed that nepotism was galore under Mawrie and said that despite repeated appeals to resolve internal conflicts within the party, nothing was done.
“As long as nepotism prevails within the rank and file of the state BJP under the leadership of the state president it will hinder all possible steps of the dedicated and loyal party men to freely exercise their minds and grow in the party. And, therefore, I tender my resignation from the primary membership of the BJP in the State of Meghalaya forthwith on personal grounds,” Shangpliang said in his two-page resignation letter.
Mawrie sneers at allegations
As expected, Mawrie distanced himself from the allegations and accused Shangpliang of himself being a classic example of nepotism.
Mawrie said that if one checks the BJP officer bearers’ list there will be no other Mawrie apart from himself.
“However, based on Shangpliang’s request, we had appointed his brother as the president of Mawsynram Mondal. So there is nepotism,” Mawrie said.
Making it clear that there is no favouring or nepotism within the party, Mawrie termed the allegations as baseless.
Asked if Shangpliang had ever approached the party to seeking tickets for the Lok Sabha elections, Mawrie confirmed the same.
“I had told him that when the time will come I will recommend his name. He put forth a condition and requested me to convene a meeting with the MDA partners on the subject of a common candidate and request all to give the BJP a chance. I immediately told him that it was not possible since the decision lies with the central leaders,” Mawrie said.
Nepotism
Despite Shangpliang accusing Mawrie of nepotism and the latter returning favours in the same measure, the fact remains that the state BJP chief has taken some steps to consolidate his position and authority, a BJP leader told The Shillong Times on Wednesday.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the party leader said Mawrie appointed his wife, Matilda Kharbuki as the general secretary of the Mahila Morcha in addition to other members who are “close to him”.
“Mawrie has appointed new people who are loyal to him and all those who are contenders for the party president’s post have been conveniently sidelined,” the party leader said.
“A party with a bad leader is worse than a party with no leader,” the BJP leader added.