Shillong, November 6: Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president and former Shillong MP Vincent H Pala on Friday described the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha byelection as crucial for protecting religious freedom and tribal reservation rights, accusing the BJP-led government at the Centre of attempting to introduce anti-conversion legislation through the backdoor.
Addressing an election campaign gathering at Dawki in West Jaintia Hills district, Pala warned that the BJP’s policies could have serious implications for religious minorities and Scheduled Tribes, urging voters to support the Congress in the upcoming parliamentary contest. Pala said the Election Commission of India (ECI) was yet to announce the byelection schedule but expressed confidence that the polls would be held before the end of the year. “Till yesterday, I had enquired with ECI officials in Delhi and they said they are yet to know when the byelection will be held, but I feel the byelection will likely be held in December or by the end of November,” he said. He attributed the delay to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which he said had been completed on October 26, and expressed hope that the election notification would be issued in the coming weeks.
Comparing the policies of the Congress with those of the BJP and its allies, Pala said the difference between the two was particularly evident in their approaches to religious freedom and the rights of minority communities. “The Congress has ruled in India and Meghalaya for many years and you have seen, especially the youth, the difference between when the Congress was ruling and now under the BJP and its allies. The difference is in the policies,” he said.
Raising concerns over the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and anti-conversion legislation, Pala alleged that the BJP was pursuing measures that could adversely affect churches, hospitals and religious activities. He claimed that 12 states had already enacted anti-conversion laws and warned that similar legislation in additional states could create further difficulties for Christian communities. “As of now, more than 800 pastors, priests or evangelists are being arrested in a year because of this Anti-Conversion Bill,” Pala claimed.
He further alleged that such laws imposed restrictions on religious conversions, including requirements for prior notification to district authorities, and could expose individuals involved in religious activities to legal action following complaints. “Under this law, if you want to baptise anybody you need permission from the DC within 60 days. If anybody does it without taking permission, there is a third post-conversion party that if anybody registers a complaint then you may be arrested. This Bill is very dangerous,” he said.
Accusing the BJP of adopting an indirect strategy to introduce anti-conversion legislation, Pala claimed that the party was encouraging state governments to enact similar laws rather than introducing a nationwide measure in Parliament. “The BJP is determined to pass this law. They will not bring this Bill in Parliament,” he alleged, describing the approach as “backdoor politics of the BJP.”
Pala also expressed concern over the future of reservation benefits for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, claiming that changes in religious affiliation could increasingly affect eligibility for constitutional safeguards. He pointed out that Scheduled Caste members converting to Christianity or certain other religions face restrictions on reservation benefits and alleged that similar scrutiny could eventually extend to Scheduled Tribes.
The Congress leader further claimed that the BJP was seeking to strengthen its parliamentary numbers to push through major legislative measures, including One Nation, One Election and other constitutional amendments. “So with these three Bills I see with the BJP at the Centre, this upcoming byelection is very crucial,” he said.
Referring to the support extended by Dr WR Kharlukhi to the Congress, Pala said the former NPP leader’s decision reflected growing concerns over the BJP’s policies. “That is why Dr Kharlukhi is supporting the Congress though he is not part of the party yet. He is supporting the Congress because he is concerned about these issues and sees that it is only the Congress that is really fighting, whether inside Parliament or outside Parliament, for the issues of the people,” he said.
Pala also criticised the National People’s Party (NPP) and other regional parties, accusing them of opposing controversial legislation publicly while supporting the BJP during voting in Parliament. Citing the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), he alleged that the NPP had adopted contradictory positions by expressing opposition outside Parliament while supporting the legislation during the parliamentary vote. “A Bill in Parliament does not depend on submission of representation or leading a delegation. That is why they say what you speak in Parliament, what you vote in Parliament, that matters,” he said.
He maintained that the actions of political parties during parliamentary voting were more important than public statements, protests or delegations seeking meetings with Union ministers. “What they do is they protest and speak outside but when it is time to pass the Bill, they support the Bill. That is what these small parties are doing because they are afraid they are being bought and it is pointless,” Pala alleged. He further accused the BJP of dominating smaller political parties despite the mandate given to them by voters, asserting that the Congress remained the only political force capable of effectively challenging the ruling party at the national level.
Appealing for support in the upcoming byelection, Pala said Meghalaya needed representation from a strong national party capable of raising issues affecting the state in Parliament. “I urge you to please give me your support as a candidate for Congress so that we can follow up on many issues. We need a big party to fight for the issues of the people,” he said.
Pala maintained that the Congress would continue opposing measures it considered detrimental to religious freedom, tribal rights and the interests of the people of Meghalaya.
