Shillong, July 8: Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai, who is facing flak for ‘ his unruly behaviour’, sought action against his colleague AL Hek for making the issue public.
The UDP has taken exception to interference by Shullai when the Speaker was addressing the meeting convened by the BJP to seek support for the presidential candidate on July 6 at Orchid Lake resort , Umiam.
In a statement issued on Friday, Shullai said, “The issue has been blown out of proportion and it came as a rude shock to me as my own party colleague Bah AL Hek tried to get some political mileage out of it. I personally condemn the statement made by AL Hek and demand for timely action to be initiated by our party state president as he seems to be completely endorsing the statement against the BJP party”, Shullai said..
The incident which happened within closed doors has gone on to become public, he said.
Minister apologises
Stating that the turn of events was completely unintended and that it has been completely misinterpreted, Shullai said he will personally speak with the CM and Speaker after his return from Kolkata and will extend his apology in case it has caused any kind of distress to anyone at the meet.
“My 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. My 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 secular party and doesn’t promote nor support any anti-religious activities be it Christian or others”, he said.
Shullai said there was no political vendetta or any other harm intended as he had always respected all coalition partners.
During the meeting with the presidential candidate, Droupadi Murmu ,Metbah had raised the issue of protection to minorities, recognition to Khasi-Garo languages and introduction of ILP.
Shulluai said as far as the issue of atrocities against Christians as raised by the UDP president is concerned, he feels 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 , be it Father Stan Swami or any other issue I have always been vocal and have taken the issue with the central leadership. I have no hidden agenda nor do I shy away from issues that are of prime concern especially when it comes to my state and its people”, he said.
Shullai said even for the CAA, he has been the only MLA from the entire North East to have personally suggested the central leaders to exempt ‘our states who 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 Shri Conrad Sangma’, he added.
He said the BJP is very much part of the MDA government and always supported peace and communal harmony and ensured that people belonging to all faiths and religions live peacefully in Meghalaya.
“If Shri A.L. Hek and others endorse that BJP is anti-Christian party then why align with BJP? Shullai asked.
India is a federal nation with each state having its own pressing problems and issues.
“How can the BJP be held accountable for all these issues? Our very constitution provides us the freedom and protection to follow and practise any religion and faith of our choice”, he said.
