Shillong, Jan 19: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Thursday accused the BJP of trying to divide the people of India in general and Meghalaya in particular on communal lines.
In a press statement issued here by AICC Media Coordinators Bobbeeta Sharma and Adv. Mathew Antony and Sanjoy Das, General Secretary of Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), the trio said, “In the history of Meghalaya since its formation in 1972 have we ever heard of any church being attacked? No. But when BJP came to power in the Centre and the State attack on minorities and churches have become rampant all over the country and now even in Meghalaya. It is an attack not only on your religion but also on your identity.”
Stating that the Congress believes in giving equal respect to all religions and cultures, and believes in the preservation of one’s own unique ethnic identity, they lamented that today this identity is under attack.
“So we appeal to the people of Meghalaya to be aware and conscious of what BJP stands for and what Congress has always stood for,” they said.
They also claimed that the Congress party this time will fight the state elections with a perfect blend of purpose-driven youths and experienced stalwarts. “We have a new team of dynamic, dedicated, committed people. They are not only academically and socially educated but also grounded, rooted and connected to grassroots. We are also happy to say that you may also see more women leaders in the fray from the Congress party this time as well,” they said.
Mentionably, Election Commission on Wednesday announced that the polling for Meghalaya Legislative Assembly would be held on February 27 and counting on March 2. Also, from the moment the dates were announced, the parties have started war of words on each other, each trying to score a brownie point over others.