State Congress working president Ampareen Lyngdoh has accused the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government of not raising its voice to counter what she described as the polarising rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre.
“The BJP has shown many signs of disrespecting religious beliefs and the secular nature of our country. If, as per the calendar of the BJP government, December 25 is declared as a good governance day, then we feel that this is a total disregard for our religious sentiments,” she told Highland Post.
“Has the state government written any letters to the government of India telling them to discontinue good governance day on December 25? And why has BJP-ruled Assam suddenly thought of banning the passage of beef in their state knowing full well that beef is a staple diet enjoyed by the people of Meghalaya?” the East Shillong MLA asked.
The opposition Congress will not remain silent on these issues because they are glaring examples of how religious beliefs of the people are being trodden on, Lyngdoh added. She then did not spare the BJP’s allies at the state level, namely the National People’s Party and other smaller members of the MDA.
Stating that if there are political parties in Meghalaya that are working in partnership with the BJP, then the people have to beware.
“How could the government of Meghalaya close its eyes and shut its ears when Assam has just inaugurated a stadium in an area of conflict, at Umlaper, whereas the government of Assam objects to the erection of one electricity pole which is not even in an area of conflict by Meghalaya,” she said, highlighting two recent areas of conflict between the two states.
It thus appeared to her that Meghalaya is barred from carrying out development activity while Assam can do whatever it wants. Lyngdoh said that this can only mean that Meghalaya under the MDA is weak and the Congress has every right to raise this as its duty is to fight for the rights of the people.
