Shillong: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and NPP leader Sniawbhalang Dhar on Thursday rejected any attempt by political parties to claim sole credit for the state’s demands for the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and recognition of the Khasi language.
Dhar said both issues had been unanimously supported by MLAs in the Meghalaya Assembly and, if achieved, would be a victory for the state rather than any individual party or leader.
His remarks came amid questions over the reported decision of eight UDP MLAs to join the BJP, with the move linked to efforts to pursue Meghalaya’s long-pending demands.
On coal, Dhar said Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had been consistently taking up the issue with the Centre.
Dhar also dismissed a BJP leader’s claim that NPP MLAs were looking to join the party.
“He can claim it, but he cannot take them,” Dhar said, asserting that the NPP’s MLAs remained united.
He also denied any internal rift in the NPP, saying there was no division within the part.
