Will stick with MDA government till full term, says BJP central party leadership

SHILLONG

As the cold war between the National People's Party (NPP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), continues in Meghalaya, the BJP central leadership on Wednesday stated that the party would continue to support the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) till the end of its full term.

BJP national vice president in charge of Meghalaya M. Chuba Ao, along with Meghalaya Health Minister and BJP legislator A.L Hek met Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday to resolve the differences.

"We have clarified with the Chief Minister, and we will support the government. We will be together till the elections come," Ao told reporters after the meeting.

On being asked about the repeated corruption charges levelled by the state BJP against the MDA government, Ao said that they would deal with corruption in a different manner.

He, however, refused to comment any further by stating that he is yet to consult the state BJP president on the matter.

"We will see as this is not a priority right now," he said.

"To demand a CBI enquiry, we require evidence," Ao stated in response to a query on whether the BJP will pursue its demand for a CBI probe into the alleged corruption in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Health Minister and BJP leader, A.L Hek echoed similar views.

"It's clearly given in the statement that there are no differences within (among) the alliance partners. We are going to stay there till the end of the term," Hek said.

The MDA meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 26, is expected to discuss the various issues apart from hearing out the suggestions from alliance partners.

(Edited by Ibankyntiew Mawrie & Andre Kongri)