SHILLONG : Senior BJP leader and Pynthorumkhrah MLA AL Hek has said that the BJP is also pushing for several of the demands raised by the eight UDP MLAs who have expressed their willingness to merge with the BJP.
The demands include the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya and the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Asked whether the BJP’s central leadership would agree to the demands raised by the eight UDP MLAs, Hek said he appreciated the issues they had brought forward, stating that similar demands had already been raised by the BJP.
“For the interest of the State and the indigenous people, I also appreciate the issues they have brought up. We too have raised these issues from earlier for implementation,” Hek said.
On the demand for ILP, Hek said that if it could not be implemented immediately, the state government should enforce the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA).
“As of now, if ILP is not possible, give MRSSA which can be done now, there is no problem at all,” he said.
Hek also said there should be no hurdle in recognising the Khasi language under the Eighth Schedule.
“There is no problem with the Khasi language, the Khasi language is qualified, it can be passed in the cabinet and the House to recognize it in the Eighth Schedule, there is no problem at all,” he said.
He further stressed that these were not issues being raised only by the UDP MLAs, saying the BJP was also pushing for their implementation.
“We too are pushing for it from the BJP side, it is not just a demand from the UDP. We have the same demands for implementation. MRSSA can also be implemented,” Hek added.
On the issue of coal mining in Meghalaya, Hek declined to comment, citing the matter’s pending status before the court.
“I cannot say anything on that as of now because it is still under court case, the matter is subjudice,” he said.
The comments come amid discussions over the possibility of eight UDP MLAs joining or merging with the BJP, with the demands raised by the legislators becoming a key part of the ongoing political discussions in the state.