The BJP’s central leadership decision to back the NPP candidate in Meghalaya rather than fielding their own has caused dissatisfaction among many BJP leaders and workers, who are reluctantly accepting the directive. The State BJP leadership, visibly disheartened, attempted to reassure and appease their displeased members on Friday, endorsing the NPP candidate in line with the central leadership’s decision.
A senior BJP figure, preferring anonymity, expressed discontent, acknowledging opposition from within the party ranks, with some even exiting party social media groups. However, the leader remains optimistic that this discontent is temporary and expects dissenters to return soon.
Despite internal dissent, a BJP core committee meeting was convened on Friday to address concerns. The party chief spokesperson, Mariahom Khakarang, stated that various perspectives were considered during the meeting, and decisions were made on how to proceed following the central leadership’s support for the NPP candidate.
Acknowledging the unhappiness among BJP workers regarding the decision, Khakarang emphasised the party’s efforts to convince them of the rationale behind the central leadership’s choice.
Regarding future steps, Kharkrang suggested leaving internal decisions to be resolved internally for the time being.
Subsequently, the State BJP leadership officially pledged support to the NPP by meeting with NPP National President and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
State unit NPP president and Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong expressed gratitude for the BJP’s decision, seeing it as advantageous in the upcoming MP election, particularly in Shillong, where BJP’s substantial vote base could significantly benefit the NPP candidate.
BJP legislator, Sanbor Shullai highlighted the necessity of adhering to directives from the central leadership, emphasizing the ongoing collaboration between the BJP and NPP at both state and national levels.
He mentioned plans for district-level meetings of the BJP to strategize support and campaigns for NPP candidates, asserting confidence in securing victories for both NPP candidates, including women candidates who may qualify for Union ministerial positions under the women’s quota in parliament.
“We consider the BJP’s decision fortunate and a significant advantage for the NPP in this parliamentary election, as the nearly 100,000 votes from the BJP in the Shillong constituency will likely go to our candidate,” Shullai said.
He also said that stated that since NPP is the single largest party and an NDA partner, there is nothing wrong in party leaders’ decision by supporting the NPP candidate for Shillong and Tura seat.
According to him the BJP has a vote bank of roughly 70000 with a potential to rise up to one lakh for the Shillong parliamentary seat.
He said that if this vote share goes to the NDA alliance, then there is a better possibility of the consensus candidate winning by chances of vote division being substantially minimised.
Shullai appealed to all party leaders that internal division should be avoided and the party has to unite and vouch for something that can help the NDA.
“If NPP wins, an MP from our state will have a better voice than from a Congress candidate from the opposition. Sometimes we have to tread beyond party politics and place the state at the helm of developmental affairs first,” he said.
Shullai also said that there is no doubt that BJP under PM Modi’s leadership will get 400 plus seats this time, and if Meghalaya can give two seats it will only help the state to get more funds and central schemes.
“If we can win both seats, we are sure to even get a union minister in the Ministry. So, a common consensus candidate will help resolve all the long pending demands of our state from the centre,” the BJP legislator said even as he added that internal conflicts within state alliance partners should be resolved amicably.
Shullai also said that BJP Meghalaya should follow the Nagaland model where NDPP and the BJP are a stable alliance and have won more than 37 seats.
He said that other regional parties without vision are nothing but only seasonal fruits which will come and go with the ever-changing seasons.
