Meghalaya BJP leaders disappointed as saffron party backs NPP in LS polls

Guwahati: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have voiced their dissatisfaction with the Central leadership's decision to endorse National People’s Party (NPP) candidates for the Tura and Shillong Lok Sabha seats in Meghalaya for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The decision to support the NPP candidates was made by the BJP’s highest decision-making body, led by party president J.P. Nadda, on Friday.

Sources said that there are five aspirant candidates from the BJP alone for the Tura Lok Sabha seat.

"In accordance with the instructions of the Honorable National President @BJP4India, Shri @JPNadda Ji, I am pleased to announce that the BJP will extend its support to the Lok Sabha Candidates of NPP in both seats of Meghalaya (Shillong and Tura), to NPF in the outer Manipur constituency, and to NDPP in Nagaland in the ensuing Parliamentary elections 2024," stated national spokesperson Sambit Patra on X.

Leaders within the Meghalaya BJP have collectively expressed deep concern and disappointment following Patra's announcement to support the NPP for the upcoming elections and the subsequent decision not to field BJP candidates.

"This announcement has saddened our dedicated workers, with many expressing strong condemnation. Talks among the workers about initiating a massive resignation campaign from the BJP due to disillusionment with recent developments have surfaced," said a disgruntled leader speaking on condition of anonymity.

"We understand the importance of addressing these concerns and restoring the confidence of our grassroots workers. Additionally, rumors circulating about certain aspiring candidates from Ri Bhoi district for the Tura constituency being blamed for the party's downward decline are baseless," the leader added.

"We want to clarify that these allegations are unfounded. In fact, one particular aspiring candidate from Ri-Bhoi district for the Tura constituency has shown exceptional dedication and commitment to the party's cause, serving as a beacon of hope for our workers," the leader emphasized.

M Chuba Ao, BJP's national vice president in charge of Meghalaya, clarified that the central leadership's decision to support NPP candidates in both Shillong and Tura parliamentary seats was based on a thorough analysis.

According to Ao, the decision was influenced by the party's performance in the last parliamentary elections. In the Shillong Parliamentary seat, BJP candidates secured significant votes in both 2014 and 2019, while in Tura, the party faced challenges with lower voter support.

"Ao candidly admitted that the party's vote share was not expected to increase, and contesting in these seats would present tough challenges for BJP candidates. He emphasized that the decision was made purely based on analysis and not due to any internal conflicts or preferences for specific candidates," the BJP leader noted.

"Furthermore, reports have surfaced regarding another aspiring candidate with a criminal background attempting to incite rebellion and resignation among our workers. However, we want to assure everyone that with the support of party leaders and the state president, workers and leaders are actively working to rebuild trust and unity," the saffron party leader assured.

"As BJP leaders in Meghalaya, we remain committed to addressing the concerns of our workers and ensuring that their voices are heard. We urge all members of the party to remain united and focused on our shared goals for the betterment of Meghalaya and its people," the leader concluded.

"Since BJP’s ideology is based on nation first, party second, and self last, we abide by and respect the decision taken by the CEC and high command," the leader added.