Tura: The arrest of Bernard Marak was a seismic event in Meghalaya politics, not just because it was the arrest of one of BJP’s most important leaders, but because of the nature of charges against him. For Meghalaya Police, this was an attempt to show that they would not tolerate ‘illegal’ activities no matter who the alleged perpetrator is: yet, Marak is out of jail and is all set to give an incessant headache not only to the Meghalaya Police but to the Meghalaya government as well.
On Thursday, after spending close to four months incarcerated in the Tura jail over various cases filed against him by the West Garo Hills (WGH) police, Bernard Marak (Rimpu) finally got bail in all cases against him. His release, which was expected, has set the cat among the pigeons. Elections are almost here, and Marak’s release will invigorate the BJP cadre. The question is, at whose expense?
Ideal timing of Marak’s release?
The BJP has, at least in Meghalaya, been an underdog despite its impact in the rest of the country. But despite being underdogs, post-election, as has been seen on numerous occasions, the BJP became the major force behind which the other parties are almost forced to rally. The situation in Meghalaya was no different. The BJP, while still a small party in Meghalaya, is better placed than it was the last time. Bernard’s release has given it a further impetus for the coming election.
At least three senior leaders from other parties, including Member of District Council (MDC) Dhormonath Sangma and two current NPP leaders, were supposed to meet senior leaders of the BJP to announce their joining two days ago. However, once news came that Marak could be released, the program was cancelled so that the party could meet on election lines. Their joining could wait a few days, after all. Marak’s release was far more an important event.
Also Read | Meghalaya: ‘Rimpu Bagan’ arrest to help me win election, says Marak
Before elections, the mandatory migration to greener pastures
Another interesting fact to emerge on Thursday was the resignation of two former NPP MDCs. They are likely to join the BJP and contest the upcoming elections on behalf of the saffron party. These two MDCs of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Dipul Marak and former EM Sukharam Sangma, have been with the NPP since its inception under the late PA Sangma. Their sudden departure and joining the BJP ranks will bolster the BJP’s chances of the party as well as increase vote share.
Bernard also said the party now has a realistic chance in at least seven constituencies: South and North Tura, Dalu, Selsella, Raksamgre, Mahendraganj (where his younger brother Tinku Marak is contesting) and Bajengdoba.
EastMojo’s analysis shows that the BJP is a strong contender in at least three seats from Garo Hills, for now, South Tura, Dalu and Raksamgre (from where the current NPP legislator is likely to contest on a BJP ticket).
Bernard’s release could also become ominous for the ruling NPP as the BJP leader has been vocal on all matters in Garo Hills.
“There are several issues we will raise with proof of wrongdoing by the Conrad Sangma-led MDA government. Our party has zero tolerance for corruption, and we will not spare those behind it. My arbitrary arrest was the product of vindictive politics. We will expose them all in the coming months. There is no rest for us,” Marak said on Thursday, without naming the person (s) behind.
There is, however, no need for speculation. Marak had earlier named CM Conrad Sangma as the man behind the scenes in the attempt to malign him, as he was proving too strong for the CM to handle in the run-up to the polls in 2023.
Marak: Stronger than ever after arrest?
Marak contended that he had never been witness to what he called low, dirty politics played against him in Meghalaya. “This has been a new low, but an experience of learning for me. I have met with people in jail and conversed with those in jail. It has given me an insight into what is wrong in our society and given me more zeal to help those who need me,” reminisced Marak.
Marak has been vocal on several burning issues, including the Tura beautification project, the sale of B-Mahal lands by the GHADC and alleged corruption in centrally-sponsored projects by the current government. His vociferousness, while making the MDA government uncomfortable, had also boosted the BJP in the state.
It is of no wonder that despite being arrested, the BJP apparatus stood behind him, even announcing him as the South Tura seat party candidate. A recent visit by a central BJP team wrapped up only with a visit to the family of Bernard to show their support for the incarcerated BJP leader – showing how important Bernard was to their chances of government formation in the coming months.
In his constituency, Marak is currently in a pitched battle with CM Conrad Sangma and upcoming contender Richard Marak of the All India Trinamool Congress. All three contenders have different pockets of support in the constituency, but a popular base from which to garner more. The one that will prevail could be decided on who cuts whose votes.
Also Read | Meghalaya: Incarcerated BJP MDC Bernard Marak released from jail
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