The BJP in Meghalaya has alleged that the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), an Opposition party based in Assam, has a secret understanding with the Congress.

Though the Congress has denied any alliance with Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF, BJP candidate from Shillong parliamentary constituency Sanbor Shullai on Sunday alleged that “ties” between the Congress and the AIUDF could “harm the demographic structure” of the northeastern states, including Meghalaya which shares its boundary with Bangladesh.

“The BJP has ties with indigenous parties such as the AGP and the Bodoland People’s Front, but the Congress ties up with the AIUDF which champions the cause of illegal migrants from Bangladesh,” Shullai said in a statement.

The statement, sent through email, was signed as from the “office of Shri Sanbor Shullai, BJP candidate of 1-Shillong Lok Sabha seat”.

Meghalaya shares 443km boundary with Bangladesh and over 600km with Assam.

Shullai, who is an MLA of South Shillong constituency, claimed only the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “can secure our nation from such unholy alliance”.

AIUDF general secretary (administration) Aminul Islam told this correspondent that the allegation was “baseless, motivated and issued by someone who has no knowledge about the AIUDF and its objectives” to mislead the people of the region. “Had there been a tie-up with the Congress they would not have fielded candidates against us,” Islam said.

The Congress has altered its list of candidates for the third and final phase of polling to be held on April 23 to dispel the perception that it was having any secret understanding with Ajmal. Congress leader in Assam, Debabrata Saikia, said those fielded in the third list were the best candidates to take on the AIUDF at Barpeta and Dhubri — both seats held by the AIUDF.

Tura and Shillong parliamentary constituencies in Meghalaya will go to polls on April 11.