Shillong, Sep 15: Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) president Conrad K Sangma has refused to comment on reports of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) planning to expand its presence in the state, saying he has not received any concrete information on the matter.
Speaking to reporters, Sangma said the reports were based mainly on social media posts, reels and media speculation.
“This is something that I have not heard from any reliable source. I have only been seeing reels and some social media messages and news. But beyond that, I have not seen anything concrete,” he said.
Sangma was responding to a question on the BJP’s reported expansion plans in Meghalaya amid speculation of several United Democratic Party (UDP) leaders possibly joining the BJP.
He said he would refrain from commenting until there was factual information.
Asked whether he was preparing for any potential political situation, Sangma said it was not possible to make decisions based on speculation.
“There could be any potential situations. There could be a nuclear bomb that could go off. If I have to think of all of that, then it is impossible to work on,” he said.
He added that any decision or comment must be based on facts and not merely on news reports, messages or reels circulating on social media.
On whether the NPP was united, Sangma said the party was “absolutely united” and currently had 33 members.
“Deputy Chief Minister [Sniawbhalang Dhar] has spoken on behalf of the NPP that day and he has given a very clear picture that we are working together and our number is 33. We are very much united,” he said.
Sangma said the party was working not only to ensure the stability of the government but also to strengthen the NPP ahead of the upcoming elections.
He said the party was preparing to win the Lok Sabha by-election in Shillong as well as the district council elections in the Garo Hills.
“We are working very hard, not just for this government, but ensuring that the party grows more in the days to come so that we are able to win both the elections – the by-election in the Lok Sabha in Shillong as well as the district council elections in the Garo Hills,” he said.
