Shillong, Oct 6: BJP has dismissed rumours that the party is trying to poach NPP MLAs, saying that there is no question of approaching its ‘ally’.
“NPP is our ally and we are being accommodated in this MDA government. Why should we approach them? These are all unnecessary rumours being spread,” state president Rikman G Momin on Tuesday.
Asked whether the BJP has demanded for more cabinet berths after increasing its strength to 10 in Assembly, he said, “We didn’t demand anything.”
He, however, said the party’s doors are open to anyone who wants to join.
“Those who like to join BJP and those who want to work for the people of Meghalaya, we welcome anyone to join,” he said.
On whether the party has approached TMC MLAs, Momin said, “Anyone can join the party. I am not particularly associating myself with NPP or whoever he is. Anyone can join the party.”
Reacting to claims that NPP MLAs have received invitations to join the BJP, he challenged, “Bring me that NPP MLA to me so that if he can show anyone from BJP who has approached him.”
On whether his party is receiving feelers from them, Momin said, “No, I don’t get any feelers right now.”
On reports of threat mails to the party, he said, “No, I don’t know that. BJP has not received any threat mail. Who told you? If it is there naturally we will file an FIR.”
Meanwhile, on the UDP’s petition seeking disqualification of 8 MLAs who merged with the BJP, Momin said the matter rests with the Speaker.
“That depends on the Speaker,” Momin said.
Asked if the UDP’s petition holds any water, he said, “That is what I am telling, that will depend on the Speaker.”
On whether the merger was legal, Momin asserted, “Yes, they have merged with us and now they are BJP MLAs.”
