After rollercoaster ride together in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not keen on working with the National People’s Party (NPP) after the 2023 election.
This was stated by a senior party leader in Meghalaya who requested not to be named.
The BJP is a junior member of the MDA, as it has only two MLAs, but wields extra clout as it is the party in power at the Centre and many other states. While the two legislators have kept in with the NPP leadership, the state party leadership has never been shy of criticising the functioning of the government, especially the NPP. The relationship worsened when Tura MDC and BJP state vice-president Bernard Marak was arrested at the end of last month after police suspected a farmhouse he owns was being used as a brothel.
“We are certain that even if the BJP has to stay in the opposition, it will not work with the NPP even though it is willing to work with other political parties,” the anonymous senior member of the party said.
Echoing views similar to those of state BJP president Ernest Mawrie, this party leader maintained that the BJP’s strength in Garo Hills has increased and seven party candidates will be elected from places like Dalu, Tura, Phulbari, etc.
Seats will also be won in Khasi-Jaiñtia Hills, the source predicted. At present, the BJP holds two seats in South Shillong and Pynthorumkhrah.
When asked about Marak, the source simply said that the law will take its own course.
