‘BJP needs to accept India is diverse’ says Leader of Opposition in Meghalaya Assembly Dr Mukul Sangma

A Correspondent

SHILLONG: Leader of Opposition in Meghalaya Assembly Dr Mukul Sangma has said that though the BJP has got a mandate and is resolved to go ahead with few of their agendas which they had promised before the elections, the party in power needs to understand that India is a diverse country.

“It must understand the aspirations of the people who are diverse politically, economically and socially,” Dr Sangma said.

Among other things Dr Sangma urged the people of the State to be vigilant of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB).

“CAB is a matter of concern. We need to be watchful and have to be on our toes as we want to be seen as an alert and responsive Opposition,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said that CAB is dangerous for the people of the State and therefore there is a need to discuss and find a way out. Dr Sangma said that there must be consultation on why the CAB is being opposed.

He also added that initially the government will try to feel the pulse of the people on different contentious issues.

Dr Sangma also said that if a political party receives a mandate to form a government it does not mean that one has the mandate to do everything even against the interest of people who may not be part of the group of people in the electoral process who have voted for the agenda.

“But to value the opinion and concern of all stakeholders is what is expected of a government in our democratic system,” the leader of Opposition added.

He said that if a government bulldozes, it will not be inclusive at all.

Dr Sangma also made a mention of Article 35A which the BJP manifesto promised to annul as the ‘provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir’.

The Meghalaya leader pointed out that similar provision exists in the Northeast.

Also read: Meghalaya news