Amidst the blame game in the BJP over its support to the NPP in the recent Lok Sabha election in the State and the fear of electoral backfire on the NPP, cabinet minister and BJP leader Alexander L. Hek today downplayed the fear.
Speaking to media persons here, Hek said that the BJP supported NPP in Meghalaya as per the directives of the party’s central leadership. He also said that there is no question of electoral backfire either to the BJP or NPP due to the move.
“It cannot be a blunder as the support was extended to the NDA partners not only in Meghalaya but with different partners throughout the country,” Hek said.
Asked about the fears that BJP workers may have gone against the diktat and voted for other parties, Hek said these details cannot be assessed easily.
On the allegations that BJP workers were not given any logistics by the party in the election for ensuring support to NPP, Hek said that the election was contested on the NPP symbol and logistical support had to be managed by the NPP.
It may be mentioned that some disgruntled BJP leaders in Meghalaya have slammed the State BJP leadership over the Lok Sabha poll strategy, indicating the party’s support for the NPP in Meghalaya may have backfired.
They said the BJP’s central leadership decided not to contest the elections in Meghalaya as there are many tainted leaders in the State unit of the party.
The NPP is also reportedly worried after a post-poll assessment revealed its friendship with the BJP could make it tough for its two candidates, especially Agatha Sangma, to win.
Reports said that the Congress in Garo Hills played well by using the BJP card to draw voters away from the NPP.
Congress leaders including its Lok Sabha poll candidate from Tura parliamentary seat Saleng Sangma harped on Citizenship Amendment Act, Uniform Civil Code and other issues to target the NPP’s alliance with the BJP.
