Shillong, Dec 1: The Congress in Meghalaya has alleged that the proposed regional front comprising National People’s Party (NPP), TIPRA Motha and others in the North East is a ploy of the BJP to create division among anti-saffron forces in the region.
“This is a plan of the RSS and the BJP… they want to make another basket where anti-BJP elements will be put, so that they don’t go to Congress or other parties,” state Congress chief Vincent H Pala told reporters on Monday citing “conversations” with RSS and BJP leaders.
Pala questioned the intention behind the alliance, pointing out that many leaders in the proposed front are either former BJP members or have ties with the party.
“They are all friends of the BJP only…after elections they will go and work with the BJP only… it is a hundred percent the plan of the BJP,” he alleged.
“People should be much smarter than what they plan,” Pala said, implying that the alliance is a tactical move by the BJP to consolidate its position in the region.
Meanwhile, Pala has welcomed several leaders, who had left Congress, back to the party, saying their return is a sign of revival in Garo Hills.
Welcoming Rangsakona legislator Zenith M Sangma and his wife Sadhiarani, who is also a sitting MDC, to the party, he said, “Definitely, Zenith and his wife will help in Garo Hills and even in Khasi Jaintia Hills region.”
“Now realize that Congress is the only party fighting for minorities and tribals, and that’s why they’re returning,” Pala said.
He also claimed that the party has received 67 applications for tickets for the upcoming GHADC polls.
“We have done our groundwork. We’ll declare our candidates as soon as election dates are announced,” Pala said.
On the leadership front, Pala dismissed speculation about internal conflicts, stating, “Those who had problems left, but nobody has said they left because of me.”
He also ruled out any talks with any ministers, who were recently dropped from the Conrad Sangma-led cabinet, saying, “We do not have any such talks, but we welcome everybody.”
Pala indicated that some leaders are waiting to see the Congress’s performance in Garo Hills before making a move.
Talent hunt in Meghalaya
The Congress party has launched a national talent hunt programme in Meghalaya, aiming to attract young and educated individuals to join its ranks.
Addressing media persons on Monday, AICC joint secretary Mathew Anthony stated that the initiative is guided by national president Rahul Gandhi’s vision to strengthen the party’s communication and media outreach.
“We understand that in the new age politics, communication is the key,” Anthony said. “This is an invitation for all people who love a secular India, believe in the Constitution, and the ideology of the Congress to come and participate with us.”
Anthony emphasized that the Congress party has a history of respecting and promoting talent from Northeast India, citing Purno Sangma, the last central minister from Meghalaya.
