Shullai says move to change state president is ‘suicidal’ for BJP in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 16, 2022

BJP leader and cabinet minister Sanbor Shullai has warned that the move to change the state president ahead of the crucial 2023 assembly elections will be “suicidal” for the party.

“BJP state president Ernest Mawrie should be allowed to complete his term and a change of president at this point of time is nothing but suicidal for the party,” Shullai said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Shullai, who is also South Shillong legislator, said the need of the hour is to stand united and work collectively and  that he has  personally spoken with Dr Chuba Ao and will also speak  with other central leaders and request everyone to hold on to the change of party president at this crucial hour.

“I personally feel that Mawrie has stood by the party during the recent crisis and that he has lifted the morale of party karyakartas in Garo Hills,” he said.

Shullai also endorsed the statement of Mawrie for categorically stating that party ticket should be given only after a close scrutiny and survey and said “there is nothing wrong with this stance.”

Welcoming the news of AITC legislator Himalaya Shangpliang joining the party, the BJP leader said, “He (Shangpliang) will be a right choice for Mawsynram and will personally speak with party leaders there to work together with him if he joins the party officially.”

Shullai said that he is also in touch with MLAs and MDCs from Jaintia Hills and will ensure that more than 5 seats are won from Khasi and Jaintia Hills this time.

Expressing confidence that the BJP will cross the “double-digit” mark in the upcoming elections, the cabinet minister however said first the infighting and groupism within the party should end immediately.

He said anyone from the party with any form of grievance can meet him personally and “we shall address the issue if it’s of genuine concern”.

Shullai further warned, “I would appeal to all the leaders to work for the party and since the time is limited so a change of state president at this hour is too late and that it may trigger a collapse with karyakartas and leaders resigning en masse as reorganizing party at this short time will not be possible.”

Stating that anyone who is against party ideology should not be entertained, he said, “if you go by my history, i have always stood by for a stable government and have stayed away from the  lobbying game.”

“The BJP will lead the government  in 2023 and I  will continue to defend my party in case any other political party or leader tries to tarnish the image of BJP,” he added.

He further claimed that the BJP both at the centre and state has worked tirelessly for the people along with other coalition members. “We have never resorted to divisive politics but rather provided stability and full support on all fronts,” Shullai maintained.