Sangma says 'natural for alliance partners to have occasional differences'

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma Saturday said as India is a diverse country it is natural for alliance partners to have occasional differences.

Sangma's Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government comprises of the National People's Party (NPP), United Democratic Party (UDP), People's Democratic Party (PDF), Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP), BJP, NCP and Independents.

"The BJP-led NDA supported my father during the presidential election in 2012. Since India is a diverse country, it is natural that we will have occasional differences. For example, we have openly expressed our differences with the BJP on the Citizenship Amendment Bill," he said while addressing India Today Conclave East 2018 Talking about the political scenario in the Northeast, the Meghalaya chief minister said there is a need for a pan-Northeast party that represents all northeastern states.

"There are no doubts that we share the national ethos but there are issues specific to the region that needs special attention," he said.