Meghalaya BJP urges HNLC not to ditch peace talks

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 4: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today appealed to the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the tripartite peace talks with the Centre and State government for lasting peace to prevail in the state of Meghalaya.

Addressing the media, BJP national vice president and Meghalaya in charge Dr Chuba Ao said, “We appeal to our militant organization to come forward and join the mainstream and attain peace.”

Party state president Rikman G Momin said, “We need peace so we will request HNLC to come forward to have peace talks with the State or Central government directly.”

He however refused to comment on whether amnesty should be given to the leaders and cadres of the banned Khasi outfit.

Chief spokesperson and former IPS officer M Kharkrang said the party is surprised at the HNLC’s sudden decision to withdraw itself from the peace talks with the government. According to him, it is not possible for the government at one stroke of a pen to drop all cases against the leaders and cadres of the outfit.

“If you have seen the statement the main agenda of the HNLC is to drop all cases against the leaders and cadres of the outfit. I feel they should have waited as it is not easy for the government to just drop these cases especially if cases have been charge-sheeted and are being tried in the courts as once cases are being charge-sheeted, it totally depends on the court. To say that the government at one stroke of a pen to drop all cases is not possible,” he said.

“At the same time, we also have to think about those victims of such cases, they may be your families or relatives, now if the government just to appease one side, drops all cases, what justice will you give to the victims of criminal cases,” he added.

Kharkhrang said it was a hasty decision on the part of the HNLC to withdraw from the peace talks adding “They should have given the peace talks a chance.”

The former IPS officer said, “We are appealing to the HNLC to continue with the peace process and in a given situation, it is a give and take, you cannot make demands and expect all the demands to be met by the government. You have to look at the larger picture, not that just because one issue has not been settled it doesn’t mean you pull yourself out of the peace talks.”

On the HNLC’s apprehension that its top leaders will get arrested once they come overground, Kharkrang however said that the outfit has to believe the government because a safe passage is a safe passage

“If the government has agreed to give them a safe passage, you see the government doesn’t work like that, once they have given in writing that they are giving them a safe passage it is a safe passage so I don’t think so there is any trust deficit in that, the government cannot fool people like that so they have to believe the government,” he said.

Referring to the recent death threat issued by HNLC to Sohra legislator Gavin M Mylliem over the downfall of the MCCL, Kharkrang said, “Personally, I would say that it was uncalled for. You cannot for the ills which have taken place on the company for the last 30-40 years, now you cannot put the blame solely on the sitting MLA. I think it was uncalled for.”

Meghalaya BJP targeting 400 seats in LS polls

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 4: BJP national vice president and Meghalaya Incharge Dr M Chuba Ao today said the party’s target is to get 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

After chairing a meeting to review the election preparation of the party in Meghalaya, Ao said, “Our target is to get 400 seats this time. Therefore, we will have to go everywhere where we did not get (last time), we will try our level best to reach them.”

Stating that the party’s progress report is very encouraging, he said, “We believe we will achieve it and it is our mission today.”

Ao said there are some weak seats and some seats are regional centric but the party will try to improve (its performance in such seats).

“Last two elections we have seen it was not so much fruitful but this time we are going to do in such a way that people will understand what is going on at the national level, how they give us facilities and all these things so we will reach to the grassroot level this time,” he added.

The BJP leader said that the party will fight the LS polls on its own adding “We are not going to compromise with any other political parties. We will build up our strength, why should we give a chance to others. Therefore, we have decided to fight on our own. There will be no seat sharing basis.”

Ao said that the BJP is quite strong in both Shillong and Tura parliament seats in Meghalaya.

“Actually both are strong seats, only we could not channelize. We are also taking the responsibility that we could not reach the grassroots level,” he said.

Whether the party has decided on the candidates for the two seats, the Meghalaya charge said, “We will work first and after that, this matter will be discussed with the state team and it will go to the national team then we will sit together with the prime minister and home minister together then we will allot the ticket.”

He said that many people have approached the party for tickets but one has to be acceptable by the people.  

On the party to field its Pynthorumkhrah legislator and cabinet minister AL Hek from Shillong constituency, Ao said, “I have seen in the media but I have not interacted with him so what is his opinion as we have to take the opinion and consideration of all the candidates as we cannot simply write in the paper, we need to interact one to one.”

He however maintained that the party will select candidates from among the members of the party.

“Women reservation is our agenda. We will see because the name is a reservation for women candidates but if women are not accepted by their own constituency the problem will come because we are fighting to win that is why we have to select for the best,” he added.

BJP for better education in Sohiong

Candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Seraph Eric Kharbuki has assured to fight for a degree college and a residential school in Sohiong constituency if elected as MLA in the upcoming election to be held on May 10.

Spelling out his priorities, Kharbuki told reporters today that his decision to contest in the up-coming is to become a leader or a people’s representative who will frame laws and policy and not merely a leader who is only concerned in distributing MLA schemes.

Kharbuki said that his objective of contesting the by-election is to serve the public of the constituency especially when it comes to education and to able to come up with policy that will benefit the farmers of the constituency and the state as whole

He added that he had vision for the need to have a degree college in Lum Diengiei and an Eklavya Residential School.

“Apart from schools and colleges in the constituency, I have also listed out in the manifesto to have a agriculture and horticulture office, state bank of India and Apex bank in Lum Diengiei, to promote tourism and sports in the constituency by constructing two mini stadium” said Kharbuki.

Kharbuki also stressed on the need to legalize direct funding through corpus funds to all Dorbar Shnong in order to implement various developmental schemes in all villages and to install street lights in various important localities in the constituency.

Mawrie eyes Lok Sabha seat

Staff Reporter

Shillong, April 4: BJP state President Ernest Mawrie has stated that he is ready to be the candidate of the party from the Shillong parliamentary seat for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state.

“As president of the party, if the party decides, I am ready to be the candidate of the party for the Lok Sabha election from the Shillong seat. I will not deny the decision of the party,” Mawrie told reporters today.

He however informed that the party is yet to discuss the candidates for the two Lok Sabha seats in the state while reacting to reports that top leaders including M Kharkrang and HM Shangpliang are vying for the party ticket for the election.

The party has formed the Lok Sabha Prabhas and it will be headed by the state general secretary GC Nongbet as convener and there will be three co-conveners.

“Our main intention is to strengthen the party. The Lok Sabha Prabhas will go to each and every constituency to strengthen the organization,” he said.

Mawrie said it is too early now to identify the candidates since the party has one year to prepare adding “But we will look for winnable candidates as we are serious to win in both the seats – Shillong and Tura.”

Ao takes diplomatic stance on ‘fighting corruption’

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 7: The BJP national vice president and Meghalaya In-charge Dr M Chuba Ao remained tight-lipped regarding the party’s stand to fight against corruption.

On BJP to go ahead with its decision to investigate all cases of corruption against the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-I) government, Dr Ao said, “Now, we are not talking about corruption. Let us form the government after that we will work and you will see how smoothly we run the government.”

He said the allegations of corruption were made during election time. “They also make allegations against our political party (that it is a) Hindu party and Hindutva”.

He however said there is no proof of the allegations of corruption. “We will stick to that only but we will work and we will come to know what is there. We also promise that we will not do such kinds of things,” Dr Ao said.

Whether he meant to say there was no corruption at all in the MDA-I government, the BJP leader however said, “I can’t say because at that time we were not so much acquainted with each other it is only we form the government to take the numbers but this time we are much more united.”

Hek, Shullai to share cabinet berth

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 7: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided that the cabinet berth will be shared between the two of its MLAs – Alexander Laloo Hek and Sanbor Shullai.

The decision came a day before Hek was sworn in as cabinet minister in the Conrad K Sangma-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-2) government.

In a letter to the NPP Chief, the BJP state president Ernest Mawrie said, “The party and its MLAs have symbiotically agreed to allow AL Hek to hold the berth for the first two and a half years which will end on August 7, 2025, following which Sanbor Shullai will hold the cabinet berth for the remaining term. Both the MLAs are hereby asked to respect and abide by the decision of the party and work mutually to ensure good governance and also to ensure check and balance.”

“Thus, I request your esteemed office to kindly honour the decision of the party and ensure both the MLAs get equal opportunity considering their seniority and support to your government,”  he added.

BJP Meghalaya In-charge Dr M Chuba Ao along with Hek and Shullai were also signatories of the letter submitted to the NPP chief.

After attending the swearing-in ceremony of the 12-member council of ministers, Shullai told reporters that this time an official agreement to share the cabinet berth between the two MLAs was made in the presence of the party leaders unlike in the last term which was only a “verbal agreement”.

“Besides the chief minister, the letter was also sent to the BJP national president JP Nadda and general secretary Rituraj Sinha,” he said.

Shullai said he does not have any problem waiting for his turn to take over as cabinet minister after 2 and a half years.

On his role in the government, the former cabinet minister said, “It will depend on the prerogative of the chief minister. I will accept anything for the interest of the people of my constituency.”

LIVE UPDATES: Meghalaya Assembly Election Results 2023

Shillong | March 2, 2023

The assembly elections in Meghalaya for 59 seats took place on February 28, 2023, while polling in one constituency was adjourned due to the death of a candidate. The counting of votes has commenced on March 2 from 8 am onwards. The Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya, F R Kharkongor had earlier stated that over 85% of the state’s 21.6 lakh voters exercised their franchise during this year’s elections.

The Congress and BJP contested in 59 seats, while the NPP put up nominees in 56 constituencies, the TMC in 57, and the United Democratic Party (UDP) in 46.The high turnout during the elections reflects the people’s interest and enthusiasm in the democratic process. The CEO’s office had previously reported that over 75% of the voting took place till 5 PM, with voting continuing for several more hours after it was supposed to conclude at 4 pm. Counting for the 59 constituencies will be held at 13 centers across the state.

Follow LIVE UPDATES here

04:13 pm:

The overall vote count as follows

NPP leads with 25 seats followed by UDP with 11 seats, INC and AITC with 5 seats, VPP with 4, BJP 3 and HSPDP, PDF and Independent with 2 each.

02:49 pm:

Lahkmen Rymbui retains Amlarem by a margin of 57 votes.

02.32 pm:

People accord warm welcome to NPP Chief Conrad K Sangma after NPP’s victorious innings in 25 seats.

 

02.28 pm:

BJP’s Sanbor Shullai reacts after winning South Shillong for the 4th term.

NPP Chief Conrad K Sangma’s 1st reaction after poll results.

2.00 pm:

Mukul Sangma loses Tikrikilla

01.39 pm:

Results for 59/59 seats known for Meghalaya. NPP leads in 26 seats followed by UDP and VPP among others.

01.13 pm:

NPP’s Conrad K Sangma continues to lead in South Tura Constituency with 49% votes as per latest ECI updates.

12.59 pm:

BJP’s AL Hek and Sanbor Shullai retain Pynthorumkhrah and South Shillong Constituencies.

NPP’s Snaiwbhalang Dhar wins Nartiang constituency.

NPP continues to maintain overall lead in Meghalaya.

12.50 pm:

NPP’s Marthon J Sangma wins Mendipathar constituency.

NPP’s James Sangma loses to Rupa M Marak of AITC by a very close margin.

12.13 pm:

NPP’s Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh emerge victorious

11.55 am:

Conrad Sangma’s NPP seen to be emerging as single largest party in Meghalaya as per Election Result Trends.

11:27 am:

BJP candidate AL Hek leading in Pynthorumkhrah Constituency followed by INC candidate PN Syiem, VPP, NPP and other.

11.15 am:

VPP candidate from Mawlai, Brightstarwell Marbaniang exudes confidence after Round 2 election verdict.

11.04 am:

JUST IN– NPP leads in 20 seats, followed by UDP in 7, INC in 6, BJP in 6, AITC in 5 and VPP in 4.

10.50 am:

Voice of the People Party (VPP) supporters rejoice as the party leads in various constituencies for Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Elections. VPP is currently seen to be leading in Mawlai, Nongkrem, Mylliem and Mawphlang.

10.33 am:

NPP’s Conrad Sangma, the current Chief Minister of Meghalaya and BJP’s Bernard N Marak neck to neck with 2672 and 2628 respectively.

 

10.28 am:

Round 1 poll results: (major constituencies)

South Tura: NPP’s Conrad Sangma and BJP’s Bernard N Marak neck to neck with 2672 and 2628 respectively
Amlarem: Lahkmen Rymbui (UDP)
Dadenggre: Rupa M Marak (AITC) surpasses James Sangma (NPP)
Jowai: Wailadmiki Shylla (NPP)
Khliehriat: Kyrmen Shylla (UDP)
Mawhati: Shemphang Lyngdoh (NPP)
Mawlai: Brightstarwell Marbaniang (VPP)
Nongthymmai: Charles Pyngrope (AITC)
Ranikor: Pius Marwein (UDP)
Resubelpara: Timothy D Shira (NPP)

more updates incoming…

10.10 am:

Latest trends as per ECI website

09.30 am:

Just In– Latest trends:
VPP leading in Mawphlang
INC leading in Mairang,
HSPDP leading in Mawthadraishan
AITC leading in Kharkutta, Rongara Siju
NPP leading in Resubelpara and Bajengdoba
GNC leading in Chokpot

more updates incoming…

09.00 am– Just in: scenes from the counting locations in Meghalaya outside the strong rooms.

08.20 am– Counting of votes began at 13 centres across Meghalaya today. The district magistrate of Eastern West Khasi Hills district has imposed Section 144  on Thursday. At 8 AM, under heavy security, the counting of votes for 59 of the 60 members of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly began across various districts.

As per reports, Conrad Sangma, the current chief minister of Meghalaya and the leader of the NPP, visited Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, on Tuesday night in Guwahati ahead of the couting day. NPP sources informed that bot the Chief Ministers participated in a key meeting that lasted 30 minutes in a hotel in Guwahati.

08:10 am– All eyes on counting of votes. 24 CAPF companies have been retained for ensuring 24*7 safe counting of votes at the strongrooms, containing polled EVMs of 3419 polling stations across the State of Meghalaya, as informed by Meghalaya CEO F.R Kharkongor. The CAPF personnel will be stationed till March 4, 2023, for keeping a check on post poll occurrences. Post counting, 5 polling stations will be selected at random and manual counting of 5 randomly selected EVMs will take place as per ECI rules. On the other hand, massive traffic arrangements have also been made for the day across various districts of Meghalaya.