Cracks have appeared in the State BJP with allegations and counter-allegations between two party legislators – Alexander L. Hek and Sanbor Shullai over the recent episode where the latter had interrupted the speech of Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh during the visit of NDA presidential candidate Draupadi Murmu at Umiam Lake Resort.
It may be mentioned that Hek had strongly criticised Shullai for his “unacceptable” behaviour and said that such interruption of the Speaker’s speech has brought shame to the party.
However, today, the BJP South Shillong Unit, in its emergency meeting held at party office at Kench’s Trace-Lumshatsngi here has condemned Hek for such criticism and accused him of trying to gain maximum political mileage out of the episode. It also demanded action by the party against the Pynthorumkhrah MLA.
“An incident which unfortunately happened within a much secured environment was made public by a fellow party member is completely unacceptable. Though the issue was raised by UDP’s Metbah Lyngdoh, Hek seems to be leading the charge against the very party he stands for. This double standard is highly unacceptable, and the party should look and take action on the same,” the BJP South Shillong Unit said.
It also said that allegations of atrocities against Christian minorities raised by the Assembly Speaker were interrupted by Shullai who believed and stood by BJP’s secular national stance.
Slamming Hek for criticising Shullai on the matter, the BJP South Shillong Unit said, “It goes on to show Hek’s double standards in dividing the MDA partners and trying to bring a divide among the NEDA partners of which both BJP and UDP are a part of. Is Hek who is close to Mukul and other TMC members trying for an alternative forum?”
“After being dropped from the cabinet, Hek seems to have lost direction. Is he trying too much beyond his means and reach which could adversely affect the BJP and its image? Is he endorsing divisive politics by portraying his own party as anti minorities? His statements are a reflection of his mindset and this is a dangerous trend against the interest of BJP which is committed to protecting the interests of the minorities not only in Meghalaya but the nation as a whole,” the BJP South Shillong Unit added.
“It is high time the party needs to pull up its act and stop Hek’s personal ambitions over party and State’s interests. If his views don’t concur with the party’s views he is free to wander into wilderness as his behaviour indicates to. The party needs to take into cognizance his statements and act appropriately and set an example that none is above the party and that he should be indefinitely suspended till central command takes a call on it,” it said.
The BJP South Shillong Unit also demanded action by the party against Hek for indulging in “anti-party activities” and tarnishing the image of the party.
