BJP can leave if it is not comfortable with MDA: Tynsong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 24, 2020

Deputy Chief Minister and NPP leader Prestone Tynsong has yet again asked the BJP to pull out if it is not comfortable to be part of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government.

This came ahead of the meeting of the MDA coordination committee which will be convened by its chairman and Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma on November 26.

Responding to a query if the BJP’s decision to approach the Lokayukta on the alleged corruption in the implementation of the central funds by the two ADCs – JHADC and GHADC – will be taken up in the MDA meeting, Tynsong said that will be known during the meeting on Thursday.

“However, whatever important issues (raised by coalition partners), we will discuss in the meeting of the MDA coordination committee and take a call accordingly,” he said.

Asked if he thinks that the BJP’s action has defamed the MDA government, Tynsong however said, “I have already made it very clear in my statement that time that if the BJP feels that to be part of the MDA government is uncomfortable, I have asked them to leave the MDA government…”

He also said the allegations have also come up suddenly after the BJP changed the office bearers of its state unit.

“I fail to understand when the new set up of the office bearers has taken over, I don’t know why these things are happening. Whereas, those times during the previous regime led by Shibun Lyngdoh, it went off well, very peaceful and very cordial but suddenly this happened when they changed the office bearers of the state unit,” Tynsong said.

On the allegation that the MDA is neglecting the BJP state leadership, the deputy chief minister said, “Where is the question of being neglected as we don’t neglect anybody as partners. We are part and parcel and we are jointly responsible for any programmes or decisions taken by the government.”

He further stated that two BJP MLAs – AL Hek and Sanbor Shullai are there to represent their party in the MDA.

Reacting to the BJP’s opposition to the introduction of the Central Bonded Warehouse (CBW) in the state, Tynsong said this decision was taken by the state cabinet.

“Collectively, we have decided to create one CBW as it is easier for the government to recover the collection of revenue through one CBW instead of going through all bonded warehouses. So this decision was taken by the cabinet and not by CM alone,” he added.

Taking a jibe at the opposition Congress, the deputy chief minister said if the Congress wants to be accommodated in the MDA government, let them submit their applications then the decision will be taken accordingly.