Shillong, April 12: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit has demanded for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Meghalaya ahead of the announcement of elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
“We welcome SIR and support its conduct, especially in areas with doubtful voters. It should be completed before the GHADC elections, ideally by April,” BJP chief spokesperson M Kharkrang told reporters on Saturday.
He emphasised that only eligible voters should be included in the electoral rolls.
The GHADC elections were postponed due to violent protests against non-tribal participation in Garo Hills.
Informing that the party has already announced 25 candidates, Kharkrang said, “By the time the election is declared, we will have candidates for all seats.”
Commenting on the issue of influx, Kharkrang said the BJP-led central government is taking a serious stance on the issue.
“Influx has been a problem, but it’s only after the BJP came to power that the government is taking it seriously. SIR is one way to identify illegal immigrants, and the government is working to stop it,” he added.
The BJP spokesperson urged the authorities to ensure that the SIR process is completed expeditiously, enabling the conduct of fair and transparent elections to the GHADC.
Centre urged to consult stakeholders on FCRA Amendment
Meanwhile, the state BJP requested the Central government to hold consultations with all stakeholders before taking any decision on the proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
“We have written to the government, requesting that they take everyone into consultation first, as all stakeholders will be affected by whatever amendment is made,” Kharkrang said.
He also mentioned that senior BJP leaders, including MLA AL Hek, have also made similar appeals.
The government has put the bill on hold, and the BJP expects the Centre to take action only after consulting all stakeholders.
