Shillong, Sep 11: With a strong chance that it may be able to increase its strength significantly in the Meghalaya Assembly, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) Pynthorumkhrah MLA Alexander Laloo Hek had a meeting with senior party figure and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Friday.
Hek is one of only two MLAs the BJP has in Meghalaya. However, though it has been consistently rejected by voters, the saffron party has been holding talks with several disgruntled legislators of the United Democratic Party (UDP), who could be tempted to switch their allegiance.
During the meeting, Hek and Shah discussed the political situation in Meghalaya and the possible steps and measures to be taken going forwards.
Hek said there is an opportunity to expand the BJP’s activities by winning the trust of the people and working towards forming its own government in the state.
He also sought guidance and encouragement from Shah as they moved forwards with efforts to strengthen the party across the state.
At the same time, Hek said that he also discussed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) amendment bill with Shah, who stated that he had already met with around 35 Christian organisations and leaders regarding the matter.
The FCRA amendments drew strong opposition from opposition parties, NGOs and minority religious organisations. This was particularly pertinent to Meghalaya, which has a Christian-majority population. The proposed amendments were so unpopular that even the local BJP urged a rethink. In the teeth of so much opposition, the bill was referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) for discussion and detailed scrutiny.
Shah also said that after the JPC completes its review, he will invite Christian leaders and organisations to Delhi for further discussions on the matter.
