Staff Reporter
SHILLONG:
State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Ernest Mawrie, on September 20, refused to comment on the statement made by Meghalaya BJP in-charge and national vice president, Chuba Ao, on withdrawing support to the government within one month.
When asked about the comment made by Ao, Mawrie told reporters, “It is his statement. I do not know what he meant by saying ‘one month’, he knows better.”
He was further asked if the state BJP is facing divided opinions in regards to pulling out from the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), to which he answered that the party is united.
“Actually, it is the concerns of the members with different issues and the members have the right to apprise. We have informed the central leadership about it,” he said.
Mawrie said BJP national general secretary (Organisation), BL Santhosh, has laid out plans to strengthen the organization and instructed the state BJP to set up committees from the state to the mandal level.
The state BJP president informed that they have formed a mandal committee in 60 seats and has currently completed forming in 44 constituencies and is working on the remaining 16.
“From time to time the central leaders will visit the state and give instruction in strengthening the party and lay plans for the coming election,” he said.
Stating that the ticket allotment is up to the central leadership, he said the central leadership is eyeing the state and is on the hunt for winnable candidates.
Mawrie said that anybody can join the party but maintained that the candidates have to work hard while also being under the watchful eye as a survey which will be conducted by state and center.
“They are keen to win and lead the government in Meghalaya. They want winnable candidates and in line with the survey report, the candidates will be decided by the Center,” he said.
ON MEGHALAYA ASSAM MOU
Mawrie said that he has discussed the issue of the inter-state border dispute with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
“He (Sarma) told me that he has to hear from the people what their stand is,” he said in a statement issued on Tuesday
Mawrie said that there were several complaints after the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in the first phase, and that he will meet with the CMs of Assam and Meghalaya to highlight the grievances of the people.