SHILLONG: Vincent Pala, president of the Meghalaya Congress and sitting Shillong MP, made bold predictions on Tuesday (March 26) regarding the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, claiming the intention of the saffron party is to amend the Constitution if they secure a large mandate.
Briefing the media after filing his nomination for re-election from Shillong, Pala asserted that the BJP’s ambition to win more than 200 seats is doubtful due to internal conflicts and a lack of candidates in regions like Meghalaya and the Northeast.
He accused the BJP of resorting to propaganda to deceive the public.
Pala claimed that the BJP’s projection of winning 370 seats is a tactic to signal their intent to amend the Constitution, particularly by removing the word ‘secularism’, thereby paving the way for a Hindu state.
He warned against such changes, likening India’s potential transformation to countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The Meghalaya Congress chief criticized BJP’s alleged attempts to polarize the electorate and emphasized the importance of a peaceful, inclusive society free from religious discrimination.
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Commenting on the BJP’s internal discord, Pala suggested that the party’s desperation is evident from the removal of senior leaders in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pala criticized his focus on the Ram Mandir issue instead of addressing broader socio-economic concerns.
He argued that such actions deepen the divide between religious communities and hinder progress.
Despite facing anti-incumbency after winning three consecutive terms, Pala expressed confidence in retaining the Shillong seat, citing Congress’s achievements in education, infrastructure, and social welfare.
He acknowledged the challenges ahead, including the need for a new airport in Meghalaya, but stressed Congress’s commitment to bridging socio-economic disparities and safeguarding democratic freedoms.
Pala concluded by affirming his trust in the people of Meghalaya and their support for his candidacy, despite alleged intimidation tactics from the BJP.