SHILLONG, SEPT 11: Mawsynram MLA Olan Sing Suin on Friday confirmed that eight legislators of the United Democratic Party (UDP) are negotiating with the BJP and said their switch could happen “anytime” if Delhi accepts their conditions.
Speaking after the UDP central executive committee meeting, Suin did not mince words.
“Anything can happen. Anything can happen any day,” he said when asked about joining the BJP.
Suin said an eight-member team has been formed to push a set of demands.
“We are an eight-member team. Not nine. It is an eight-member team mission and we want to complete our mission,” he said.
The demands, he said, include inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule, lifting restrictions on coal mining keeping in mind small land holdings in the state, relocation of Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong, FCRA and MRSSA.
“First, we have put forward the inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule, lifting of regulation of coal mining, shifting of Sikh Dalits from municipal area and FCRA. FCRA is referred to Parliament, so we didn’t discuss it anymore. These are pressing issues,” Suin said.
Justifying the move, he said these demands have been raised by NGOs and the Assembly has passed resolutions supporting them.
“So if the Union government agrees to our demands then what is the problem?” he asked.
On whether the move is imminent, he said, “Whether it will be very soon, I do not know. But anything can happen. That is politics. Politics can change in one day.”
Refuting speculation of cabinet berth bargaining, Suin said, “There is no negotiation. NPP is single largest party with 33 MLAs. We did not bargain for any ministerial berth.”
Asked about his presence at the UDP CEC despite the talks with BJP, he said, “This is the CEC meeting and I am still a member and MLA of the UDP. I attended because I need to attend it. Inside, I have stated very clearly that talks with BJP are there on our demands.”
He invoked J J M Nichols Roy to defend the move.
“Before Nichols Roy joined Congress, people criticised him, saying Christianity will be wiped out, beef will be banned. He said give me a chance to bring the best for you. He brought autonomous district councils. Similarly, if our demands are met, what is the problem? It can happen at any time,” Suin said.
By Our Reporter
