SHILLONG: The head of the National People’s Party, Conrad K Sangma denied the allegation of the involvement of his government in the denial of permissions for the Bharatiya Janata Party rally in the state of Meghalaya.
The Bharatiya Janata Party was expected to organise a major political rally in the Tura region of the West Garo Hills. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi was expected to address a rally in the PA Sangma Sports Complex in Tura ahead of the Meghalaya polls dated for February 27. The permission was denied by the authorities citing that the stadium was under repairs and unable to host the expected large crowds on February 24.
“All permissions come from the side of the Election Commission of India,” Conrad K Sangma mentioned in a statement. “So, there is no say from NPP or my side,” he added.
“It will not be fit to host such a big gathering at the stadium as construction work is still going on and materials kept at the site may be of safety concerns. An alternate venue is being considered.,” said the district Electoral Officer of the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya Swapnil Tembe.
A clarification was issued regarding the same by the former chief minister regarding the stadium. While mentioning that the stadium actually has two parts, he said, “The first part consists of the football stadium, which was inaugurated. The other part, which has an indoor stadium and a swimming pool, is not ready and we have made it clear.”
The leaders and workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party had earlier accused Conrad K Sangma and the National People’s Party of denying permissions for Narendra Modi’s political rally and called it an attempt by the party to show down the “BJP wave” in Meghalaya ahead of the upcoming elections.
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