By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 6: Inclusion of some controversial leaders in the state BJP’s newly constituted EC is being questioned by some insiders.
Although still a whisper rather than a shrill frontal battle, these party leaders are gunning for those chosen from Garo Hills region.
Sources from the party on the condition of anonymity said that BJP being a party which boasts about fighting corruption should not have such leaders in the party who are tainted.
The leaders questioned the inclusion of Bernard Marak in the EC as vice president saying the BJP leader from Garo Hills is still entangled in the sensational case of alleged running a brothel at Edenbari near Tura. While, he is on bail, he is yet to acquit himself in the court.
Sources in the party also questioned the inclusion of Dipul R Marak as vice president who is one of the persons to be charge sheeted by Lokayukta in a corruption case regarding faulty construction.
Sources also alleged that there are some more leaders in the EC who too are tainted even as they took exception to the fact that one Dayanand Kumar who was expelled by the party, frequents the party office here taking active part in the affairs of the party.
They also questioned the appointment of former GHADC CEM Boston Marak as the district president of South West Garo Hills as Marak was also among those who were charge sheeted by Lokayukta.
They also alleged that there are a few top leaders in the EC who do not even hail from Meghalaya.
The chargesheet against all the accused came following a complaint filed by one Nilberth Marak in 2019 with the Lokayukta for non-implementation of projects.
The top brass BJP leaders however defended their inclusion in the EC.
Party spokesperson M Kharkrang said that until and unless the case is proved beyond reasonable doubt, he does not see that a person cannot work in the party.
He also said that allegations can be made against anyone but until and unless they are convicted by the Court of law, the person cannot be considered as guilty.
Echoing similar views, party president, Rikman Momin said that till now, no one in the party has lodged any complaint to him about the composition of the EC, even as he added that blaming someone without any proof is not a healthy trend.
It seems, for now, these controversial party office bearers are here to stay, unless today’s whispers turn into screams tomorrow.
