Tura, March 26: Tura Lok Sabha MP Agatha K Sangma, hoping to be elected to Parliament for a record 4th term in next month’s general elections has categorically stated that the Citizenship Amendment Bill is a non issue for Meghalaya with the exemption of the 6th Schedule from its perview and accused the opposition parties of attempting to sow the seeds of discord and confusion among the voters of Garo Hills.
“If CAA wasn’t exempted from our 6th Schedule, I would have never voted for it. Meghalaya falls under the 6th Schedule so CAA is not applicable. It is a non issue in our state,” clarified Agatha K Sangma while speaking to journalists after filing her nomination for the Tura Lok Sabha election on Tuesday.
“Even though it (CAA) doesn’t impact our state, yet the opposition is trying to create an issue when there isn’t one,” added Agatha Sangma.
The youngest daughter of Late P A Sangma, who took over from her father the task of raising Meghalaya’s and Garo Hills issues before Parliament, believes this election will be one fought on the issue of development.
“This election is about continuing on the path of development because the NPP, which I am also a part of, has given a wonderful performance on development of the state in the last 6 years. It has been a team effort. That is why the opposition has no major issue to challenge us and thus levelling all sorts of allegations,” Agatha alleged.
When asked about the NPP and her role in standing up against the persecution of minorities in certain states ruled by the BJP, she clarified that no atrocity is ever allowed to go without justice.
“I am the Convenor of the Christian MPs Forum and we have always voiced our concern and collectively dealt with such issues,” said Agatha K Sangma.
