Shillong: BJP MLA AL Hek warned that political parties should not cling to power, saying governments inevitably face anti‑incumbency and cannot retain authority indefinitely. His remarks came as the BJP’s presence in Meghalaya has expanded following the recent induction of eight UDP legislators into the party. The BJP remains an alliance partner of the NPP in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government.
When asked whether the growing BJP numbers were giving the NPP sleepless nights, Hek stressed that every party must work to keep its members together. “Every political party, irrespective of any particular political party, has to keep their flocks together,” he said. He added that political power is temporary and should not be treated as permanent. “Power will come and power will go. The power cannot remain for long,” he said, warning that arrogance and obstinacy can damage a leader’s longevity.
Hek also noted that some members wishing to join the BJP could not do so because of the anti‑defection law and the numbers required to avoid disqualification. He said that leaders should focus on humanity and respect for others rather than attachment to power.
When asked directly whether he was describing the NPP as arrogant, Hek clarified that arrogance is an individual trait, not a party attribute. “I am not saying any. First, arrogance is not towards a party. Arrogance is individual only. Why blame the party?” he said. He applied this view to all parties, including the Congress, BJP, TMC, NPP and UDP, and reminded that governments and chief ministers have come and gone over the years and no party can expect to rule permanently.
