NCP will not support BJP

“We are not going to the support the BJP that is for sure. We will do what is best and in the interest of the people of Meghalaya,” Patel, who is on a two-day visit to the state, told reporters here on Tuesday.

Stating that the BJP and other political parties are trying to put their imprint on the state, he however claimed that they will not be in a position to win the hearts and the minds of the people of the state.

Pointing out that Meghalaya is a peace loving state, Patel however said with the divisive politics which are visible nowadays at every levels right from food habits to religious beliefs to cultural beliefs.

“We have seen what kind of fragmentation is taking place in the society. I am sure the people of Meghalaya will out-rightly reject these kinds of infringement on their personal food habits, their beliefs and religious ethos and I am sure a proper answer will be given by the state in this coming election,” he added.

Asked, the NCP national leader said, “Not the BJP because we respect the cultural identity of Meghalaya and food habits and other social habits and I think whatever is happening is happening against the ethos in India’s plurality.”

With regards to the National People’s Party (NPP), an NDA ally at the centre, Patel, who refused to give any comment only said it is for the NPP to clarify whether they accept what the BJP says.

Whether the party would campaign against the BJP and NPP, which is alleged to be the team-B of the saffron party, he however said that it is for the people of the state to decide on the matter.

“I know every political party is going to come and make their presence felt so will we and let the people of the state decide,” he said.

Extending his congratulations to the newly appointed party state president Saleng A Sangma, Patel assured that under the new leadership, the party will provide the right kind of platform for all its candidates to win the hearts of the people of the state.

By Our Reporter