SHILLONG, MAR 26: NPP candidate from Shillong parliamentary constituency and cabinet minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Monday said politics is becoming mature with the BJP’s decision to extend support to the party candidates from Shillong and Tura in the elections to the 18th Lok Sabha, slated on April 19.

“I feel it is a victory for us as it has never happened before that they (BJP) would recognize us as they were fighting against us but look now the politics is becoming mature,” Lyngdoh told reporters.

She said that such support will never come during MLA elections as they also as a party will try to get numbers adding that BJP has done their own calculation keeping the objective of forming a stable government in mind.

“I know the supporters of the NPP as well as BJP are in shock as we have never seen this kind of politics. When I look at the objective of getting a stable government, the BJP has sent a strong message to the state through the chief minister that they have to listen to the aspirations of the state and what our leaders are demanding,” Lyngdoh said.

On the allegations that NPP and BJP are the same, the NPP candidate said, “Those who will not vote for the NPP will say so many things. You have seen on social media how they are throwing stones at us. But I say we should not doubt. Instead of creating a division in the state and losing it is better they (BJP) make such a decision so tomorrow when we go to parliament they will recognize the MPs from Meghalaya, it is because of them, and we did not put up candidates. Therefore, I feel that it is already a big introduction for us.”

Stating that she will never join BJP, Lyngdoh said, “If you say that I am BJP, I will tell you that I will never be a BJP. If I want to join the BJP, I would have joined the party before the 2023 elections. I cannot join because I have seen some of the ideologies of the BJP, which are not in line with the interests of the indigenous communities.”

“If you are talking about the allegations that NPP is BJP. I would like to ask this question to the people that in 2023 when we contested the MLA elections, didn’t BJP field candidates or was it working with us? BJP’s symbol is lotus, they have their own constitution, which is totally different from our constitution,” she said while adding, “But we indigenous communities from North East, we are lucky that the BJP is giving us recognition and giving us a special place. So let them allege, if they don’t allege how they will fight the election but to people who are supporting us, please don’t be afraid, don’t be shaken and don’t be doubtful.”

She said that HSPDP too is working with the UDP and are fighting against the NPP in this election but it doesn’t mean that HSPDP has disappeared and now there is only UDP. “They have an alliance and it doesn’t mean that HSPDP and UDP are the same. Just because they are working together in MP elections, you think that MDA 2 is divided. No, we respect each other,” she added.

Further, Lyngdoh asserted the need for political parties from Meghalaya should learn from political parties outside the state. “I hope this is a lesson shown by a party from outside Meghalaya on how to play politics. If all candidates are united in 2023 and refrain from forming too many political parties, is it now that it will help you get a stable government. Say whatever you say we feel this is the way forward,” she said.

Asked, the NPP candidate said that before BJP’s decision to support the NPP, she had already approached people of BJP, UDP, HSPDP , KHNAM and also TMC.

“I have tried my best. I have sought the blessing of all former MLAs, why should I wait for the party to declare. I am already in discussion with them. I told them to vote for me.”

“ I had also met TMC people and I am very happy in some constituencies, TMC clearly extended their support to us as their party has not given them any directions especially leaders like Charles Pyngrope and others, who are no longer in the TMC, I have met them and I feel it is a good move. But you did not say NPP is also TMC,” she added.

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