In a pointed clarification on political narratives swirling in Meghalaya, Senior BJP Legislator and Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai asserted that the “One North East” initiative spearheaded by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma poses no threat to the BJP. Speaking to reporters, Shullai rejected claims that the party restricts dietary choices or targets religious communities, framing such narratives as false election propaganda.
“One North East – there is no threat for BJP. The other parties, be it Congress or other political parties like Voice of the People’s Party, during election, they play religious card against BJP. They campaign that BJP is anti-Christian, that the BJP will disallow the people of the state to eat beef. Even in my constituency, there is a narration that they are playing that Bah Sanbor, once he won the elections, will lock all the churches, disallow people to go to church. He will bring his workers and they will go house to house to check fridge whether there is beef or not. All these allegations during election. This is election propaganda. Has it happened in my constituency or anywhere? Tell me?” BJP MLA said.
Shullai added that people in Meghalaya have complete freedom of choice. “So let the people of our state judge. All the people living in my constituency are secure, they eat… That’s why they have composed a song: it’s your choice, you can eat whatever you like. There is no restriction,” he said, emphasizing personal liberty and community harmony.
Addressing broader political dynamics, Shullai reflected on the potential trajectory of regionalism in the state. “Will 2028 be the year of Regionalism in Meghalaya? I cannot comment on the ideology of Regional Parties. Let the people judge. But only one message I want to send through you: the time is right for the people of our state that they should be far-sighted. They should look at the good works done by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, and the BJP government in Delhi,” he said.
Turning to local electoral politics, Shullai urged voters in the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections to support BJP’s development agenda. “Even this time in Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections, I would like to urge voters that they should give chance to BJP to form Executive Committee in GHADC. They should give us at least 20 seats. I assured you also with EC of District Council that we will work more towards development and generate employment for the youth,” he added.
