SHILLONG: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Meghalaya unit has strongly distanced itself from controversial remarks allegedly made by RSS and party leader Sunil Deodhar, asserting that he has “nothing to do with BJP Meghalaya” and condemning his statements as unfortunate and unacceptable.
Addressing an urgent press conference, BJP Meghalaya spokesperson M Kharkrang said the party was compelled to respond to what he described as a “malicious campaign” on social media targeting the state unit by linking it to Deodhar’s comments.
“We take this opportunity to make it utterly clear that Sunil Deodhar has nothing to do with BJP Meghalaya. Not a single BJP leader from anywhere in the country has supported his statements,” Kharkrang said.
He underscored the significant contribution of the Christian community to the state, noting that their role in shaping Meghalaya’s educational, social and cultural landscape cannot be denied. He highlighted the historic contribution of Rev. Thomas Jones in developing the Khasi script and credited churches across denominations for establishing educational and healthcare institutions that continue to serve people of all communities.
“The Church spread the message of Lord Jesus Christ, asking us to love each other, which makes Meghalaya one of the most hospitable places in the country,” he said, adding that questioning the Church’s contribution reflects ignorance.
Kharkrang further stated that BJP Meghalaya President Rikman G. Momin (Buddha Emilius) had lodged a strong protest with the party’s central leadership, which reportedly agreed that Deodhar’s comments were “disgusting to say the least.” He added that Deodhar had been taken to task and that the state unit believes he regrets his remarks.
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Reiterating the party’s stand, Kharkrang said the BJP follows the example set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who pays tribute to Lord Jesus Christ during Christmas celebrations and speaks of His teachings.
“We understand that it has hurt our Christian brothers and sisters. It has hurt us as well. As long as we are here, nothing will be allowed to go against the Christian community or any other religion,” he said, stressing that Meghalaya respects all faiths.
BJP MLA AL Hek also condemned Deodhar’s remarks, stating that they were “very, very wrong.” He pointed out that missionary schools and healthcare institutions across the country serve people of all castes and religions, with no evidence of forced conversions.
“In more than 50 years of Meghalaya’s existence, we may have had differences between communities, but religion was never targeted,” Hek said. He emphasized that it is the duty of every citizen to respect all religions and refrain from making inhuman or divisive statements.
The BJP Meghalaya unit appealed to the public not to be swayed by attempts to malign the party’s image and reiterated its commitment to secular values and communal harmony in the state.
