Meghalaya sports department denies BJP permission to hold election rally

Citing construction work, the sports department in Meghalaya denied permission to the BJP to hold an election rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at P A Sangma Stadium South Tura.

This place is the home constituency of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. BJP alleged that National People's Party (NPP) is trying to stall the Saffron wave which has gripped the state.

Modi is likely to participate in campaigning in Shillong and Tura on February 24. District Electoral Officer Swapnil Tembe, “The sports department has communicated that it will not be fit to host such a big gathering at the stadium as construction work is still going on and materials kept at the site may be of safety concerns. An alternate venue at Alotgre cricket stadium is being considered."


BJP national general secretary Rituraj Sinha said, “How can a stadium be declared “incomplete and unavailable” for use for the PM's rally just two months after inauguration”.

Conrad K Sangma however distanced himself from this and said that it was the prerogative of the Election Commission. “There are instances when my rallies were not allowed. Why will I disallow a rally? We have a very good relationship with the Prime minister. He has always been very supportive whenever we have approached him.