SHILLONG : The state BJP on Tuesday strongly disavowed RSS leader Sunil Deodhar’s recent remarks in East Khasi Hills, clarifying that he has no association with the party in Meghalaya. The clarification comes in response to a social media campaign that sought to malign BJP Meghalaya using Deodhar’s comments. BJP chief spokesperson M. Kharkrang told reporters that the party had been compelled to call an urgent press conference to address the malicious campaign, describing Deodhar’s statement as “unfortunate and meaningless.” Kharkrang emphasized that Sunil Deodhar has nothing to do with BJP Meghalaya, noting that not a single BJP leader from anywhere in the country has supported his statement.
Highlighting the contributions of the Christian community, Kharkrang praised Rev Thomas Jones for giving the Khasi language a physical shape through the creation of its script and acknowledged the church’s role in establishing educational institutions that continue to provide quality education across the state. He added that anyone questioning the church’s contributions only exposes their ignorance and is “worthy only of contempt.” Kharkrang also stated that BJP Meghalaya state president Ernest Mawrie and the party’s two MLAs had registered a strong protest with the central leadership, which agreed that Deodhar’s remarks were “disgusting to say the least.” He added that Deodhar had been taken to task by both the Meghalaya and central leadership teams and now regrets his thoughtless and tasteless words.
Citing the Prime Minister’s Christmas messages on Lord Jesus Christ, Kharkrang reaffirmed that BJP follows the example set by the Prime Minister in respecting all religions and condemned the remarks made by Deodhar. He assured that the party would ensure that nothing is allowed to go against the Christian community or any other religion. He urged the public not to be influenced by malicious attempts to tarnish the image of BJP Meghalaya, emphasizing that the party stands as a secular organization committed to protecting all faiths.