Not involved in denying permission to PM's rally, says Meghalaya CM

BJP, which last month snapped ties with ally NPP ahead of the February 27 assembly election, alleged that NPP was trying to stall a "wave of the BJP" in the State

Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) supremo Conrad K. Sangma asserted that neither he nor his party had any role in denying permission for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election rally at the P.A. Sangma Sports Complex in Tura.

The Sports department has informed the West Garo Hills district authorities that permission cannot be given for the Prime Minister’s rally there as construction debris may pose safety concerns.

The saffron party, which last month snapped ties with ally NPP ahead of the February 27 Assembly election, alleged that the ruling party was trying to stall a "wave of the BJP" in the State.

In a statement issued in Shillong, the Chief Minister said on February 20 that the accusation made by the BJP was false as permissions for rallies are given by the Election Commission and the district administration is now a part of it.

"All permissions come from the side of the Election Commission of India. So, there is no say from NPP or my side. Dragging our name into it is completely wrong. I was even denied permission for many of my rallies," Mr. Sangma said.

He said such things happen during elections but the BJP has made this into a big issue.

"The stadium has two parts. The first part consists of the football stadium, which was inaugurated. The other part, which has an indoor stadium and a swimming pool, is not ready and we have made it clear," he said.