SHILLONG : Mawsynram MLA Olan Sing Suin on Friday confirmed that eight legislators of the United Democratic Party (UDP) are in talks with the BJP and said they could switch sides “anytime” if the Union government agrees to their demands.
Speaking after the UDP Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, Suin said the group comprises eight MLAs and not nine, as has been speculated.
“We are an eight-member team. Not nine. It is an eight-member team mission and we want to complete our mission,” Suin said.
He said the group has put forward several demands, including the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, changes to restrictions on coal mining, relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong, and issues concerning the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA).
Suin said the FCRA matter has already been referred to Parliament and therefore was not discussed further.
“These are pressing issues,” he said.
Explaining the group’s position, Suin said several of the demands have already been raised by NGOs and supported through resolutions passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
“So if the Union government agrees to our demands then what is the problem?” he asked.
‘Anything can happen any day’
Asked whether the eight MLAs could join the BJP soon, Suin said the timing was uncertain but did not rule out an immediate move.
“Anything can happen. Anything can happen any day,” 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,” Suin added.
Suin also denied that the group was negotiating for ministerial positions in return for switching parties.
“There is no negotiation. NPP is single largest party with 33 MLAs. We did not bargain for any ministerial berth,” he said.
Suin attends UDP CEC despite BJP talks
Suin also explained his presence at the UDP CEC meeting despite confirming that talks with the BJP are ongoing.
“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 said.
Defending the possibility of joining the BJP, Suin referred to the example of former political leader J. J. M. Nichols Roy and his decision to join the Congress.
“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,” Suin said.
“Similarly, if our demands are met, what is the problem? It can happen at any time,” he added.
