Meghalaya: BJP leader quits over Hindutva agenda in Christian state

"I am from a Christian state and I can't continue with a party still pursuing an Hindutva agenda," says a senior legislator of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Meghalaya, who quit to join the Congress.

A.L. Hek from the Pynthorumkhrah assembly constituency charged his party for its hardcore communal agenda and ideological thrust, which he says, has forced him to rethink of available options.

Hek criticises the BJP for its aggressive pursuit of building the Ram temple and further considering issues that matter most to the Hindu society.

"I am from a Christian state and hence cannot continue to be with the BJP that still has Hindutva and construction of the Ram temple as its main agenda," Hek was quoted saying.

While he has kept options open, he has clarified sternly that he would only embrace a secular party and that power is not all what he aims.

"I am examining all options. I am not power hungry," Hek said.

The BJP leader sparked an outrage when he offered his support to the Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) government for political stability.

Meghalaya unit president H Syiemlieh opposed this move and declared that action would be taken as we "cannot support a Congress government."

In the 60-member house, the ruling Congress-led government has the support of 31 legislators - NCP (26), United Democratic Party (9), and six legislators from smaller regional parties, including one from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and two other independents.