Meghalaya BJP press briefing derails over Yuva Morcha president’s remarks on protesters
Meghalaya BJP leaders faced questions at a press briefing after social media remarks by its Yuva Morcha state president were linked to calls to “shoot” protest.
Meghalaya BJP leaders faced sharp questions during a press briefing on Tuesday after mediapersons raised a controversy involving a social media post by the party’s Yuva Morcha state president, Mewaker Lyngdoh Pakma. The post, as reported, included remarks saying protesters should be shot at, which drew criticism and confusion over the BJP’s public stance.
Questions over alleged contrast in party stand
State BJP general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna was addressing media when the discussion shifted from the party’s criticisms of the Congress to the youth leader’s remarks. Pohshna criticised the Congress, saying the government of the alliance involving Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha had acted with “brutality” against students protesting for education and employment rights in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
In the same briefing, Pohshna also questioned comments by Rahul Gandhi about alleged firing at protesters. He alleged that bullets were not fired at Jantar Mantar and said Gandhi should not mislead people about what happened there. When mediapersons then pointed out what they said was an apparent contradiction—BJP condemning use of force while its own youth leader reportedly used violent language—Pohshna responded that he was not aware of the matter in detail.
Pohshna says he had not seen the posts
Pohshna denied being aware of the specific remark and said the party had already issued a statement, adding that he did not think further clarification was needed. He also said he had not seen Pakma’s personal social media posts and chose not to comment directly on them.
When pressed again, Pohshna asked that attention be focused on Parliament. He said what matters most is debate on national issues and argued that protest-related statements by various people also turned controversial. He described the controversy as a “small issue” compared to the need for Parliament to function.
On whether BJP leaders should avoid social media posts that could affect the party’s image, Pohshna said political leaders should be careful about their online activity. He urged people holding important positions to monitor what they post on personal accounts.
