Shillong, Sep 24: The Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) has slammed the recent crossover of elected MLAs to the BJP in Meghalaya, calling it a “tragic betrayal of the electorate.”
In a sharp statement, KJCLF Secretary Rev. Edwin H. Kharkongor said while individuals are free to join any party, elected representatives switching parties after being voted on a different mandate shows “obsessive lust for power and profitable self-gratification” rather than a desire for good governance.
Targeting the BJP, Rev. Kharkongor alleged the party “supports majoritarianism” and has maintained “supportive silences” on ethnic violence in Manipur and attacks on Christians and other minorities by right-wing groups. He said the BJP’s “One Nation, One Language, One Religion” agenda threatens the diversity and existence of indigenous and minority communities.
In Meghalaya, he said, the BJP is known for “domination politics” despite having only two seats in the House, dominating various aspects of the government.
“The saffron party has now been given a false and fake sense of legitimacy by these MLAs who have succumbed on the altar of seduction and enticement. For X pieces of silver and a fleeting glitter on an alien platform, these MLAs have violated the trust of the electorate,” Rev. Kharkongor said.
Calling the defectors “bereft of any ethical and moral values” and “politician-opportunists,” he said it is now for the voters of those constituencies to show their political outrage.
“Only time will tell,” he added.
