The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will not quit the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government but will work with it and in it until the end of its term in 2023, cabinet minister and BJP legislator Sanbor Shullai said today.
The BJP’s state leadership has been in an intense war of words with the MDA, especially the National People’s Party (NPP), which leads the coalition, on a range of issues, from illegal mining to the implementation of central government schemes. Most recently, the issues have been the collapse of the dome of the new Assembly building and leaky Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT).
The NPP has appeared fed up with the constant criticism of the BJP state president Ernest Mawrie and his deputy, Tura MDC Bernard Marak. Yesterday NPP leader and Rajya Sabha MP W Kharlukhi told them, effectively, to quit the alliance or shut up.
In all this, Shullai has remained largely quiet, though he does seem more inclined to remain with the government and not have to give up his seat in cabinet.
In a release from his office today, Shullai said that all grievances raised by Mawrie will be addressed when he meets the Chief Minister.
He went on to assure his full support to the government and said that it is normal for coalition allies to raise issues of concern and, through addressing these issues, instill confidence among coalition stakeholders.
The statement said that the Conrad Sangma-led government has been “proactive” and has addressed all the issues that have been raised.
On the issue of a pre-poll or post-poll alliance, Shullai said that this matter lies with the central leadership of the BJP. He also expressed confidence that the BJP will increase its tally of two seats at the next state elections.
