With less than two years to go for the next Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is steadily working to expand its footprint in Meghalaya, even as shifting political alignments and internal churn within major parties hint at a potentially fragmented mandate in 2028.
At present, the BJP holds two seats in the 60-member Assembly and is a constituent of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA). However, party insiders indicate that efforts are underway to strengthen its organisational base, with several sitting legislators from different parties reportedly in touch with both the central leadership and the Assam unit as they reassess their electoral prospects.
Assam BJP leadership is also leaving no stone unturned for the party to grow in Meghalaya. With the Assam Assembly elections just days away, political activities in Meghalaya have slowed, as attention has shifted to the neighbouring State. Sources said, “There are reports that some of the big leaders from Meghalaya met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa sarma in the recent past, however, every thing is on hold as Assam Assembly elections is just days away.”
Sources within the party said, “The party is emerging as an alternative to many political leaders who do not want to go with either NPP, VPP or Congress.”
The evolving political landscape is further complicated by uncertainties within opposition parties. Sources indicated that the political future of the Trinamool Congress in the State remains uncertain, even as senior leader Dr Mukul Sangma’s next electoral course is being closely watched amid speculation over his future political alignment. In the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, the party’s prospects are seen as weakening, raising questions over its organisational sustainability.
Within the Congress, despite signs of revival, internal debates persist over leadership and strategy. Party sources said that while efforts are being made to rebuild under Vincent H. Pala, questions remain over organisational strength in key regions and the absence of a widely accepted alternative leadership face.
The National People’s Party, though numerically strong in the Assembly, is also facing scrutiny over the origins of its legislative strength, with a significant number of MLAs having joined through mergers rather than electoral victories on party tickets.
Meanwhile, the Voice of the People’s Party has emerged as a formidable force in the Khasi Hills, though its influence in the Jaintia Hills is still at the growing stage and its potential impact in the Garo Hills is yet to be tested.
The United Democratic Party, another regional player, is grappling with reports of internal dissidence, even as it attempts to maintain a united front ahead of the elections.
Against this backdrop, Meghalaya is widely expected to witness another closely contested election, with the possibility of a hung Assembly once again looming large. BJP sources expressed confidence that the party’s presence will expand in the coming elections, stating, “Both the vote share and the number of legislators of BJP is expected to go up.”
