Shillong, Apr 12 (IANS): Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has said the Congress should take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to protect the nation.

Noting that only the Congress can take on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Sangma told reporters here on Tuesday: "What is important is to protect the interests of the people and the nation as a whole. I am afraid if Congress does not take on BJP more aggressively, there will be no other political party that can stop it."

"If Congress becomes weak, the BJP will become strong," he added.

"All those trial balloons indulged by fringe elements, including the RSS, are dangerous indications. It is time for people to be blunt and frank and express their concern," he said.

At the same time, the veteran Congress leader said that the party is firm and ready to defend the future of India.

"We should not lose focus. One after another, the hidden agenda of the BJP has come out. We should be able to properly articulate, create a citizenry that is alert and ready to defend the future of this nation. That itself is enough," Sangma said.