HT Bureau
DIPHU, April 30: In a further blow to the regional party All Party Hills Leaders Conference (APHLC), prominent leader Deori Terang joined the BJP during a mass induction event held at Disobai playground in the Member of Autonomous Council (MAC) constituency of Karbi Anglong.
Reacting to the development, Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang said the BJP’s growing popularity has prompted members of opposition parties — including the Congress, APHLC, and the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) — to switch sides.
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“Even the entire Mahila Congress unit of West Karbi Anglong has joined the BJP,” he added.
Responding to allegations from the opposition over corruption, an alleged ED raid, illegal coal mining, and the construction of a lavish house in Diphu, Ronghang dismissed the accusations.
“The opposition does nothing but hold press conferences to spread lies. They can’t even organize proper meetings anymore. Instead, they call a few social media users and post their claims online,” he said.
“They’ve accused me of giving away 1,000 acres of land to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma — that is a lie and pure misinformation. They allege I misappropriated Forest Department funds, siphoned off crores under the guise of setting up a nursery, and claim the ED visited my house. All these are baseless,” Ronghang asserted.
The BJP in Karbi Anglong has intensified its drive to induct new members, especially from the APHLC. The APHLC, led by retired civil servant J I Kathar, has been a vocal critic of the BJP and wielded considerable influence among the Christian community in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong.
Local MAC and member of parliament Amarsing Tisso, along with Rolland Killing, president of the BJP’s East Karbi Anglong District Committee, were also present at the public meeting.
