BJP attributes bypoll defeat to ‘poverty’ in Gambegre

SHILLONG, Jan 20: The BJP, which is looking to contest the upcoming KHADC elections in an unprecedented move, has attributed ‘widespread poverty’ in Gambegre as a significant factor behind its defeat in the Gambegre by-election. The party claims this factor enabled other political parties to sway voters through financial inducements.
Stating this, BJP leader Bernard Marak, who contested the bypoll, on Monday said, “People were poor, and good speeches did not work. They were hungry, and for them, money spoke louder than schemes,” Marak said.
He added that the BJP plans to tackle poverty-related issues to ensure that voters are not easily influenced by monetary offers in future elections. He noted that as long as poverty persists, voters will remain susceptible to financial incentives, describing it as a “virus” or “cancer” affecting poor families. Addressing voter perceptions, Marak pointed out that nearly every household in Gambegre is already aligned with one political party or another. He admitted that the BJP was a late entrant in the region and faced significant challenges, as a “negative wave” against the party had already been created by the time it joined the fray.
The BJP leader’s remarks underscore the difficulties the saffron party faces in establishing itself in rural strongholds, where poverty and deep-rooted political loyalties often shape electoral outcomes.
Marak’s comments also reflect the party’s intention to address socio-economic disparities as part of its strategy to strengthen its position in future elections.