Staff Reporter

Shillong, July 8: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to contest the upcoming bye election to the Gambegre Assembly seat.

Informing this today, BJP state president Rikman G Momin said, "Yes, I have already informed the central leaders and they have agreed but now since there have been some changes so I have to request them again but hundred percent we are going to the contest the bye-polls."

On party's state vice president and Tura MDC Bernard N Marak to be fielded as BJP candidate, Momin however said, "We have not yet decided on the candidate, but he (Bernard) is also working very hard for the party so naturally he should also get the ticket."

He said that the BJP has decided to fight the Gambegre bye-poll alone and it has no intention to seek the support of the ruling National People's Party (NPP).

"No, we are going to contest so why do we need their support? We don't need their support. We are a different party. Since they are part of the NDA, we respect the Prime Minister and that's why we supported the NPP in the last MP elections," he said.

Momin also categorically denied that by supporting the NPP, the BJP's vote share has got affected.

Further, the BJP state president also alleged that there has been absolutely no development in Gambegre constituency, which was represented by the former MLA and now Tura MP Saleng A Sangma, for the past 15 years.

"Our party is preparing issues (to be taken on top priority) but yes, there is no development at all. You go and see the roads, schools, there is no development at all.

"Yes, the former MLA has failed. There is no development at all you have seen. How can I blame him? He was an independent candidate. You go and see whether there is any development despite winning elections for the last 15 years," he said.

On the other hand, BJP chief spokesperson M Kharkrang said, "We had wanted to go on our own also during the MP elections but there was a direction from the central leadership and we have to obey the orders of the central leadership. This time also we have made our point of view that we want to contest the seat and we hope our central leadership will listen to the state party and allow us to contest this election."

Referring to the demand for removal of Momin as BJP president, Kharkrang said, "You have been asking me alot on this but I have been telling you time and again there has been no rift. There are some people who are not happy with the party and they are the ones who are making all these stories."

"As members of the party, we are all together and there is misunderstanding but these are things which are being settled within the four walls and I don't think there is any groupism or anything like that right now," he added.