Is the BJP taking credit for the formation of the MDA-2 government in Meghalaya?
Today’s swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his cabinet ministers at the Raj Bhavan here today was also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda.
The fact that Modi, Shah and Nadda flew from New Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony speaks volume about the role played by the BJP in cobbling up the alliance and its influence in the MDA-2 government.
Modi later tweeted: “Congratulations to those who took oath. Best wishes to them in their pursuit of taking Meghalaya to new heights of growth.”
Even Nadda congratulated Sangma for again heading the new Meghalaya government and said that Modi would guide the government.
In his tweet, Nadda said: “Under the guidance of PM @narendramodi Ji & your able governance Meghalaya will soar the heights of success once again. My best wishes for a successful tenure.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who is the BJP point man in the North East in his tweet said that the presence of Modi, Shah and Nadda at the swearing-in of the MDA-2 government “shows the BJP’s utmost care for North East and its alliance partners”.
In the run-up to the Assembly elections, the BJP had described the previous Sangma-led government as the “most corrupt”.
Shah at a number of poll rallies in Garo Hills had said that the Sangma family indulged in corruption and nepotism.
Nadda was more pointed when he threatened that once elected to power, the BJP would hand over the investigation of all corruption cases in the State to a special task force.
However, the saffron party was the first to strike a post-poll agreement with NPP to set up a government in the State after Sangma called up Shah seeking his “support and blessings”.
Speaking to media persons after taking the oath of office, Sangma tried to downplay the allegations made by the BJP during the election campaigns that his previous government was the “most corrupt”.
“In coalition governments, partners may have different views on issues. We should find ways to solve issues and work with better coordination as a team,” he said.
