SHILLONG, MAR 11: Is there any split in Meghalaya BJP? Well, Senior BJP leader and cabinet minister AL Hek has once again expressed his willingness to contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls if the party’s central leadership entrusts him the responsibility.
Talking to mediapersons, Hek said, the names for many aspirant candidates have gone to the central leadership of BJP and the party is yet to make any decision.
“It’s entirely depend on the BJP central leadership, I will not say no if the party decides to give me a ticket,” the BJP leader said.
Recently, BJP legislator from South Shillong Sanbor Shullai has urged the party to nominate Dr Fenela Lyngdoh Nonglait as candidate from Shillong parliamentary constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Shullai submitted the letter to the national vice president In-charge Meghalaya Dr Chuba Ao, national general secretary and coordination of NE states Rituraj Sinha for necessary consideration.
Asked, Hek said, “He (Sanbor) met me but I said it’s the decision of the party not me.”
As the differences widens, he said, “Anybody can support and favour anybody, the names for many aspirant candidates have gone.”
Meanwhile, when asked, Hek further clarified that there has been no discussion about the possibility of opposition All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) leader Mukul Sangma and other legislators merging with the BJP.
Speaking to Mediapersons, Hek said, “AITC merging with BJP, they have not discussed with me. Till today I have not met any leader from the TMC to discuss anything. Let me also find out whether they are joining or not.”
The BJP leader said he has no idea on whether Mukul Sangma will be joining the BJP.
“During this last Assembly session, not even once I had met Mukul Sangma,” he said.
He said that the joining of former Salmanpara legislator Winnerson D Sangma of the AITC was bringing luck to the BJP. He said many more are joining in the coming days.
In regards to the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Hek said that he will not say no if the party leadership asked him to contest from Shillong parliamentary seat.
On the performance of the MDA government, Hek said, “If I am questioning the MDA means I am questioning myself. How do you see Hek’s performance, it is the same with MDA.”
“Since we are working under the same umbrella,” he said.