Shillong, Oct 18: State Congress Party leader Manuel Badwar has dismissed the claims of the eight former United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs who merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the assurance of five pending demands of Meghalaya.
Speaking to Highland Post recently, Badwar said there is no written assurance from the BJP leadership.
“On their various demands to join the BJP, the BJP has not put it in writing or categorically said that they would deliver on all demands. So it is not a done deal or signed on paper,” Badwar said.
He said as long as there is nothing in writing, the claims are just eyewash to the public.
The eight MLAs justified their defection to the BJP on the strength of assurances given by the saffron party regarding movement on the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), the Them Iew Mawlong issue and inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, reducing restrictions on coal mining.
“We hope something happens and if it’s for the good of the state then why not. These MLAs are also tall leaders in their constituencies so their political career is important as well, but how much this best fruit remains to be seen,” Badwar said, adding that in the next one and a half years, before the next state elections, people will see how much change they bring.
