The political churn in Meghalaya intensified, with senior BJP legislator A.L. Hek on Saturday claiming that sitting and former legislators from different political parties are in talks with the saffron party and are willing to join it, even as discussions continue over the reported move of nine United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs to merge with the BJP. Hek said the BJP has agreed to many of the demands put forward by the UDP legislators and indicated that the joining could take place soon, while maintaining that the final call rests with the party’s national leadership.
“Joining is not only from Khasi Hills, so many people have approached us from different political parties,” Hek said, adding that both sitting and former MLAs were among those willing to join the BJP. He said their identities would not be disclosed to maintain confidentiality.
“I will not mention about the political party now as confidentiality has to be maintained,” he said, adding that leaders from different districts were also joining the BJP.
On the reported move of nine UDP MLAs, Hek said discussions were continuing and the joining was expected soon. “The day is not far. I am sure they are joining but the call will be taken by the National leaders. Anything, any day can happen,” the BJP legislator said.
On the demands put forward by the UDP MLAs, Hek said the final decision rested with the BJP’s national leadership. “Many of the demands put forward for UDP MLAs BJP has agreed if not all,” he said.
Hek also linked the developments to the BJP’s preparations for the 2028 Assembly election. “We are looking towards 2028, I have told Amit Shahji we are going to form Government in Meghalaya,” he added.
