Meghalaya: BJP is a strong partner of the MDA govt, says South Shillong MLA

SHILLONG:

BJP MLA of South Shillong Constituency, Sanbor Shullai, on Monday, stated that the BJP is a strong partner of the MDA government as the formation of the ruling government was an initiative taken by the central leaders of the party, collectively with other alliance partners.

In a letter addressed to State BJP President Ernest Mawrie, Shullai said that the present political development arising out of the continuous statements made against the state government by the BJP’s state office bearers have created a sense of uneasiness in the minds of the people.

“The alliance partners - NPP and UDP - are also part of the Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) in the region. Such continuous public threats, through media houses, puts a huge question mark over the decisions made by the central leadership at the start of the alliance,” Shullai said.

He further added by saying, “It affects the smooth functioning of the government and also creates a negative image of the party. Despite repetitive efforts of all coalition partners to bring all issues and standing irregularities through coordination committee comprising of all political parties of the present MDA government, such statements and accusations from the state leadership are not well appreciated by the coalition partners. Allegations and counter allegation are part of democratic setup but need to be done with glaring and substantial evidence.”

Shullai also questioned whether the central leaders are aware of the multiple allegations made by state BJP office-bearers. “If so, then it is imperative that the central leaders should also take the local MLAs into confidence as they are the elected representatives,” he said.

Shullai also stated, “I appeal to all party leaders to bring forward all issues related to the Government to the designated platform and to refrain from going public about the issue before it is heard and given a chance for clarification. Being a partner and attacking (the) government questions our very intent and existence in the government. For important matters that are not being able to be resolved at state levels, the central leaders and state in charge will have to step in. Our Honourable Chief Minister who is also the chairman of the present-day coalition has always supported the BJP, since last two and half years during the time, even when there was a widespread protest against BJP in the state of Meghalaya.”

“We have always supported the Chief Minister who also happens to be the Chairman of the present-day coalition and have put our trust and faith in him and other allies. It is of utmost urgency that I will request the CM to call for an all Government party meet to address and resolve all issues glaring at us so that the trust and working coordination is restored among all alliance partners,” he added.

Shullai also stated that the issue of building an alliance lies with central leaders and that the decision to withdraw from an alliance also lies with central leaders.

“Such repetitive media statements are only projecting the government of which we are part in poor light as people are raising the question of our party stand,” Shullai said.