Former United Democratic Party general secretary and former MLA Jemino Mawthoh on Saturday joined the BJP along with his supporters, describing the BJP as the right political choice and asserting that the party was all set to come to power in Meghalaya in 2028.
Mawthoh joined the BJP in the presence of State BJP president Rikman Momin, senior BJP legislator A.L. Hek, former MLA Mohendro Rapsang and State BJP spokesperson M. Kharkrang.
Addressing the gathering, Mawthoh said, “2028 you will see the difference, BJP is all set to come to power in 2028. Present Government is facilitating that BJP ‘s scheme in the state of Meghalaya.”
Referring to the strategic importance of the Northeast and its security concerns, he said, “Chicken Neck, Siliguri corridor, I think we can give a sigh of relief, especially when we talk about the small ethnic communities that are there in the Northeast.” Mawthoh said he had been in touch with BJP leaders since 2021 and had served as UDP general secretary for nine years and working president for two years.
He said he had attempted to initiate the formation of a single regional platform, resigned from the UDP in 2023 and eventually decided in April-May 2025 that it was time to leave, citing his dissatisfaction with the political situation in Meghalaya. He said other political parties had also approached him, but after remaining silent for 15 months, he decided to join the BJP.
Explaining his decision, Mawthoh said he had witnessed significant changes since 2014 in government policies, programmes, digital transactions and welfare activities.
Senior BJP legislator from Pynthorumkhrah constituency A.L. Hek said the party had to strengthen its organisation ahead of the 2028 Assembly election.
“So many development will come. We have to ensure that 2028 will be a BJP led Government in Meghalaya. Our responsibility has come. We need to strengthen the constituency,” Hek said.
The joining programme began with a Christian gospel song and prayer, with “How great You are, how great You are…” echoing through the gathering before the prayer was led by State BJP spokesperson M. Kharkrang.
