By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 11: Under pressure from its state leadership over the potential choking of local social institutions, the Centre has hit the brakes on controversial amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to allow for broader consultations.
State BJP chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said senior party leaders, including Alexander Laloo Hek, petitioned the Centre to stall the move until all stakeholders were heard.
The intervention follows significant local concern regarding the impact of the amendments on schools, hospitals, and social projects—many of which rely on foreign aid.
Kharkrang stated that the Centre has “held back” the proposal in response to these concerns. The party now expects a considered decision only after formal dialogue with the affected institutions.
Simultaneously, the state BJP is shifting its focus to the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party has welcomed the exercise as a necessary tool to identify and remove ineligible names from the register.
Kharkrang noted that the revision, expected to begin this month, should be completed before the council elections, particularly in areas flagged for “doubtful voters.”
Addressing the situation in the Garo Hills, Kharkrang described “illegal influx” as a long-standing grievance that the Centre is now treating with urgency. He positioned the SIR as a key mechanism to identify illegal migrants and tighten the state’s electoral system.
BJP eyes gains in M’laya, confident of win in Assam
Asserting strong public support in neighbouring Assam, the State BJP on Saturday said the party will “win hands down” in the state, attributing its confidence to sustained development and governance.
Party chief spokesperson Kharkrang said people in Assam continue to back the BJP due to visible development over the years, adding that anti-incumbency arises only when governments fail to deliver. He claimed that gaps left over decades have been addressed in the last 10 to 15 years, which is why the party expects to return to power comfortably.
Turning to Meghalaya, Kharkrang said the BJP is confident of improving its performance in the 2028 Assembly elections and is targeting a double-digit tally. He added that the party has already begun groundwork and will intensify its efforts over the next two-and-a-half years. On the GHADC elections, he said the party has released a list of candidates in phases and is preparing to contest all seats once elections are announced.
