SHILLONG, Jan 7 - Former Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma of Congress Sunday urged political parties of Northeastern region to snap their partnership with BJP following Prime Minister Narendra Modi�s announcement that the Citizenship Bill would be passed in Parliament soon.
Sangma also likened Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to Judas, a close disciple of Jesus Christ widely believed to have betrayed the Lord, after he said the BJP-led Assam Government would not harm the people�s interests.
He also dared Sonowal to quit the BJP and his post to safeguard the interests of the indigenous people of Assam as the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre is moving ahead with the Citizenship Bill.
The Citizenship Bill has been opposed by a large section of people and organisations in NE.
Urging leaders of parties in Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and other States across the region where the BJP is part of the government to end their partnership with the saffron party, Sangma said, �We should send a strong signal if we love our people and if we care for the interest of the indigenous people.�
Training his guns at Sonowal, the leader of the opposition in Meghalaya Assembly said he was amused by the statement of Sarbananda Sonowal.
�When the PM announced a policy, he is a silent spectator. Can he dictate terms to Modi? He should resign from BJP, quit his post and say hey, look Mr Modi, I cannot be a party to anti-people decision,� Sangma said.
�In the name of protecting the indigenous people of the region, these people have become Judas,� he said.
Imphal Correspondent adds: The opposition Congress in Manipur will oppose the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill tooth and nail, Congress Legislature Party leader Okram Ibobi Singh said.
Speaking to reporters here on Monday, the former Manipur Chief Minister said, NE, mainly Manipur, will be turned into a dumping ground for immigrants if the Citizenship Amendment Bill is passed. It will be like opening the floodgates and it will affect the small indigenous population, he said.
Alleging that the recent visit of PM was nothing but to create problems instead of announcing (economic) packages, Ibobi said the Congress party has sought clarification from the PM in connection with the assurances and promises he and his party made during their previous visits and election rallies in the State. But he failed to clarify, he lamented.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president TN Haokip, MLAs and party leaders were present at the press conference.
