Shillong, Jan 29 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has refused to sack Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui in the wake of the BJP seeking for his removal following the death of six labourers in an illegal coal mine in the East Jaintia Hills district.

“That is the opinion of a political party. I don’t have anything to say but there is no question of dropping Rymbui,” Sangma told reporters.

The BJP, which is a partner in the National People’s Party (NPP)-led ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), of which the UDP is the second-largest constituent, has been demanding for the resignation of Rymbui ever since the tragedy in the illegal coal mine came to light.

Meghalaya BJP unit president Ernest Mawrie has called for the resignation of Rymbui for failing to curb illegal coal mining in the state and sought an independent inquiry into the deaths of six labourers in a coal pit in the Rymbai Elaka of East Jaintia Hills on January 21.

The Chief Minister said that few individuals are making these statements but that doesn’t reflect the views and opinions and stand of the BJP.

“Almost 90 per cent of the BJP leaders are working very closely with the MDA coalition partners,” he added.

Home Minister and United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator, Lahkmen Rymbui has retorted back to BJP’s demand, asking his coalition partner to seek the resignation of Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyuraapa instead, in whose home constituency five persons died in an explosion in a quarry.

“The BJP leaders from Meghalaya should first ask for the resignation of the Karnataka Chief Minister after five people have died on January 21, 2021, in the explosion at a quarry in Hunasodu village of Shivamogga which is his home constituency. The BJP being a national party should first introspect," Rymbui said.

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