SHILLONG, NOV 6: Meghalaya Congress president and former Shillong MP Vincent H Pala has accused the BJP of using state governments to push controversial legislation, including amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and anti-conversion laws, alleging that the move threatens religious freedom and the rights of Christian and tribal communities.

Addressing an election campaign meeting at Dawki in West Jaintia Hills on Friday, Pala described the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha byelection as “very crucial”, arguing that its outcome would have implications beyond Meghalaya.

Pala said he expected the byelection to be held by December, although the Election Commission of India had yet to announce the schedule.

“Till yesterday, I had enquired with ECI officials in Delhi and they said they are yet to know when the byelection will be held, but I feel the byelection will likely be held in December or by the end of November,” he said.

He attributed the delay to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, adding that the process had been completed on October 26 and expressing hope that the election notification would be issued in the coming weeks.

Pala said voters, particularly the youth, should compare the policies pursued during Congress rule with those of the BJP-led government, claiming that the differences had significant consequences for the people.

Pala raises concerns over FCRA and anti-conversion laws

The Congress leader alleged that the BJP was determined to push legislation that could affect churches, hospitals, religious institutions and evangelical activities.

Referring to the FCRA Amendment Bill and anti-conversion legislation, Pala claimed that the BJP was encouraging state governments to introduce similar laws rather than bringing the legislation directly before Parliament.

He warned that if more states adopted anti-conversion laws, the consequences could extend across the country, including Meghalaya.

“We have 28 states in India and if half of these states pass the same law, that law will have to be implemented by all states even if we in Meghalaya like it or not,” Pala said.

Claiming that 12 states had already enacted similar laws, he said the BJP was attempting to secure support from additional states to advance its agenda.

Pala also alleged that more than 800 pastors, priests and evangelists were being arrested annually under anti-conversion laws.

Explaining his concerns, he claimed that the provisions could require individuals to seek permission from the Deputy Commissioner before conducting religious conversions, warning that complaints by third parties could lead to arrests.

“This Bill is very dangerous,” he said.

He further alleged that the BJP was pursuing what he described as backdoor politics by encouraging state-level legislation instead of introducing the proposed measures in Parliament, where they could face greater opposition.

Warns of implications for SC and ST reservations

Pala also raised concerns about the reservation rights of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), particularly in relation to religious conversion.

He pointed out that Scheduled Caste individuals who convert to Christianity or religions other than Hinduism are currently excluded from SC reservation benefits under existing provisions.

He warned that the issue could also have implications for tribal communities, arguing that the status and reservation rights of Scheduled Tribes could come under review.

According to Pala, these developments made the Shillong byelection particularly important, as the BJP was approaching the numbers required to secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

He claimed that the BJP needed only 11 additional members to reach the required strength, which could allow it to push through major constitutional and legislative changes, including One Nation, One Election and women’s reservation.

Pala accuses NPP of supporting BJP inside Parliament

Taking aim at the National People’s Party (NPP) and other regional parties, Pala accused them of opposing controversial legislation publicly while supporting the BJP when crucial voting took place in Parliament.

He specifically referred to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, alleging that although he publicly opposed certain legislation, his party’s actions did not always reflect the same position during parliamentary voting.

“You have seen the NPP, once any Bill is introduced that is against Christians, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will be the first to go to Amit Shah,” Pala said.

He also referred to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), alleging that while Conrad Sangma had publicly opposed it, representatives from the region had supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill when it came up for passage.

Pala maintained that political parties should be judged not by their public statements or demonstrations but by how their representatives vote in Parliament.

“A Bill in Parliament does not depend on submission of representation or leading a delegation. That is why they say what you speak in Parliament, what you vote in Parliament, that matters,” he said.

He further accused smaller political parties of being vulnerable to pressure from the BJP, claiming that their public opposition to controversial legislation meant little if they ultimately supported the government during parliamentary proceedings.

Appeals for support in Shillong byelection

Pala said former Rajya Sabha MP Dr Wanweiroy Kharlukhi was supporting the Congress because of his concerns over the issues facing the people, despite not being formally associated with the party.

He argued that Meghalaya needed a strong national political party capable of challenging the BJP both inside and outside Parliament.

Urging voters in the Shillong parliamentary constituency to support his candidature, Pala said the Congress remained the party best positioned to defend the interests of religious and tribal communities.

“I urge you to please give me your support as a candidate for Congress so that we can follow up on many issues. We need a big party to fight for the issues of the people,” he said.

Pala maintained that the Congress was the only party consistently fighting against the proposed FCRA changes and other legislation that he believes could affect the rights and freedoms of people in Meghalaya.