Deputy CM dismisses reports of legislators defecting to BJP
Shillong, September 7: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) National Vice-President Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday firmly dismissed reports that the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) Government could collapse amid speculation that some NPP legislators and members of coalition partners were planning to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking to the media after an emergency meeting at Shillong Club, Dhar said the NPP remained united and the MDA Government was stable.
“There is no such move, nor has there been any discussion about joining another political party. These are merely false allegations and political speculation,” he said.
Dhar said all constituents of the MDA continued to work together while maintaining mutual respect. Differences of opinion on certain issues, he added, were natural in politics and should not be interpreted as signs of instability.
“We are happy and at peace within the family. Differences of opinion are natural in politics and democracy, but that does not mean the Government is going to collapse,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that since the formation of the MDA Government, its coalition partners had remained committed to providing stable governance and accelerating development across Meghalaya.
On reports that legislators from the NPP and other coalition partners could switch allegiance to the BJP, Dhar said he was unaware of any such move.
“Every political party wants to strengthen its organisation and attract more members. That is part of politics. However, there is no question of the NPP splitting or any of our legislators leaving the party,” he asserted.
Dhar also rejected speculation about a leadership crisis within the NPP and expressed confidence in Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and the existing MDA arrangement.
He urged the public not to be misled by unverified reports, reiterating that the NPP and the MDA Government remained united and stable and would continue to focus on the development and welfare of Meghalaya.
