SHILLONG, JULY 8: BJP leader and cabinet minister Sanbor Shullai on Friday tendered apology on the recent incident during the meeting convened to garner support for the NDA presidential candidate, which he termed as “completely unintended” but was completely misinterpreted.
Shullai also sought timely action against his party colleague AL Hek for trying to take political mileage due to the incident.
“I will personally speak with the CM and Speaker with regards to it after my return from Kolkata and shall extend my apology in case it has caused any kind of distress to anyone at the meeting,” the cabinet minister said in a statement.
He alleged that the issue has been blown out of proportion and it came as a rude shock to me as my own party colleague AL Hek tried to get some political mileage out of it adding the incident which happened within closed doors has gone on to become public.
“About the meet at Orchid Lake Resort, Umiam on the 6th of July 22, I would like to clear the air by stating that the turn of events were completely unintended and that it has been completely misinterpreted,” he added.
On the other hand, Shullai said that as far as the issue of atrocities against Christians, raised by UDP leader Metbah Lyngdoh, he personally felt that the BJP cannot be held responsible for it besides it was not the right platform to bring up such a topic.
“The NDA presidential candidate came here to seek support and raising other states topics at this meet was completely out of line and not the need of the hour which was my personal opinion. Had the issue raised been pertaining to our state, the BJP Meghalaya and I, for certain would collectively stand for it,” he said.
He further added, “Be it Father Stan Swamy or any other issue I have always been vocal and have taken the issue with the central leadership. I have no hidden agendas nor do I shy away from issues that are of prime concern especially when it comes to my state and its people.”
Shullai said even for the CAA, he had been the only MLA from the entire northeast to have personally suggested the central leaders to exempt our states that are within the purview of the Sixth Schedule.
“I have very much stood by all our MDA partners through every crisis and remained faithful to my party and to the leader of MDA Conrad Sangma,” he stated.
Condemning the statement made by AL Hek, Shullai said, (I demand timely action to be initiated by our party state president as he seems to be completely endorsing the statement against the BJP party.”
“BJP , which is very much part of the MDA government, has always supported peace and communal harmony and has ensured that people belonging to all faiths and religions live peacefully in Meghalaya. If AL Hek and others endorse that BJP is an anti-Christian party then why align with BJP?” he asked.
Reminding that India is a federal nation with each state having its own pressing problems and issues, the BJP leader also asked how can the BJP be held accountable for all these issues? Our very constitution provides us the freedom and protection to follow and practice any religion and faith of our choice.
Stating that there was no political vendetta or any other harm intended and that he respect all the MDA coalition partners, Shullai claimed that his relationship with the UDP is far more than most people think and the credit goes to late Dr Donkupar Roy who had always been a guiding star in my political career adding that his ties with NPP goes even deeper with the late Purno A Sangma, who was my mentor and the very reason behind my successful political career.
“I once again extend my sincere apologies towards the whole incident and reiterate that my comment was made to acknowledge the fact that BJP is a secular party and doesn’t promote or support any anti-religious activities be it Christian or others,” he concluded.
