Shillong, May 11: Following the sensational statement of AITC legislators Dr Mukul Sangma, BJP legislator and Cabinet Minister, Alexander Laloo Hek, on Thursday denied having any talks with the AITC leader to topple the NPP-led MDA-II government.

Hek stated that he was surprised to read newspaper reports about the alleged talks, as he had not met with Dr. Mukul Sangma since the formation of the MDA-II government. He clarified that he and Dr. Mukul were jokingly chatting during a tea break at the Assembly session, discussing their moves from one party to another. The BJP MLA stressed that there was no discussion of toppling the government, and their conversation was purely a light-hearted exchange.

“There is no discussion in toppling the government nor any talks against the MDA government…Jokingly, we had a chat, that also in the chamber of the Speaker in the Assembly,” Hek said.

The minister also expressed satisfaction with his portfolio and noted that there were many positive developments taking place in the state under the MDA-II government. He also made it clear that the BJP would not work together with the AITC or Congress but had no issues working with the NPP.

Hek further quipped that only if the whole of AITC and Congress merged with the BJP, would it be a different story, and added that the BJP’s doors are always open.

Hek’s statement come a day after Dr. Mukul Sangma claimed that Hek was plotting to take down the NPP-led MDA-II government. Dr. Mukul revealed that Hek expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the elections and requested that the AITC do something to prevent the NPP-led MDA government from returning to power.