To ensure no CAB is to say no to BJP: Vincent H Pala

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 22, 2019

SHILLONG: Two-time Congress MP Vincent H Pala today said the only way to ensure there is no Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) is to say ‘no’ to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) even as he expressed confidence that the Congress will come back to power at the centre after the Lok Sabha polls.

“Influx is dangerous to all of us especially to the tribal and indigenous people and if we want to exist we have to see that there is no CAB and the only way is that (to say) no BJP,” Pala told reporters after filing his nomination papers for seeking re-election to retain his Shillong seat , here on Friday.

He said the Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi has made its stand very clear against the Citizenship Amendment Bill as it will be the main road to influx, which seeks to dilute the culture and custom of the indigenous people.

“So it is difficult for us to accept and digest the CAB as people from Bangladesh will behave like Bangladeshis,” he added.

Accusing the BJP of trying to divide the people through the CAB, Pala said, “Basically they (BJP) want to divide the majorities and minorities that is their concern. They know they are not going to win the elections except to put a division between Hindus and Muslims, Christians and others…”

On the allegation of the MDA common candidate and UDP leader Jemino Mawthoh that it was the Congress which have first taken up the CAB issue, the sitting MP however said, “No…that statement is wrong tell them to give us proof.”

According to him, there was a cabinet note in Assam which wants to protect those people who were harassed by Bangladesh and this got nothing to do with Meghalaya but the BJP has taken it (issue) all over the country.

“They should have stopped it because it doesn’t mean whatever the Congress has done they should continue with it. The Congress might have taken initiative to set up committee and send to different states for their views but initiative does not mean because implementation is more important. They have nothing but to blame when they know they have taken a wrong decision and nowhere else to correct,” he said.

Expressing confidence that the Congress will be voted back to power at the Centre, the sitting MP said there is no doubt about it because the BJP has lost control in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Chhattisgarh and all their allies are running from them.

“…no way the BJP will come back. (Even if) they go with their issues but that will not translate into votes… But I think we (Congress) should cross 160 this time,” he said.

Asked whether he sees it as a threat if the BJP is fielding candidate from the constituency, Pala however said, “I don’t think so because tribal and non-tribal in Meghalaya gel very well and there is no division between them. The BJP may try to divide and try to claim that non-tribal are their voters but I don’t think so… I don’t see there is tribal and non-tribal issue if the BJP put or not put a candidate it depends on what issues we go to them.”

He said that the power to decide will however be with the voters adding during his campaign, he could see the sense of the voters that will prefer and go with the Congress this time even as he refused to comment on the delay of the BJP to announce its candidates for the two seats in Meghalaya.

Pala will be fighting against his strong opponent from the United Democratic Party (UDP) Jemino Mawthoh, who is contesting as the common candidate of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA).

Mawthoh, a former Nongthymmai legislator had alleged that the sitting MP had done nothing during the past 10 years. Reacting to this, Pala however said, “You see when it comes to state politics you can pull somebody down you can criticize somebody but when it comes to parliament, I think they should maintain prestige and ethics so I don’t want to counter to whatever unreasonable charges they make.”

Meanwhile, Pala said connectivity, education and employment will be some the important issues to be taken up during the campaign adding Rahul Gandhi had also promised to launch the minimum income guarantee scheme if the party comes to power.