Signalling an early sharpening of electoral fault lines ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls, senior BJP legislator and former Cabinet Minister AL Hek has asserted that State BJP Vice President Bernard N Marak is “not small or a weak candidate,” amid indications that Marak is once again expected to challenge Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle of titans.
The remarks come in the backdrop of the 2023 Assembly elections, where Marak had contested against Chief Minister Sangma, and are being seen as part of the party’s effort to consolidate its base in Garo Hills while projecting leadership for the next electoral cycle. The BJP has been working to strengthen its organisational presence in the region, which remains politically significant in determining electoral outcomes.
The senior BJP leader said, “That is always there, whenever you are fighting it will be in a big way only, even Bernard is not small or a weak candidate, he is also a very strong candidate and sitting MDC, he will ensure victory in 2028 Assembly elections and put all his might.”
Hek said Marak has been actively working for the party and continues to engage with the cadre at the grassroots level, particularly in Garo Hills, where the BJP is seeking to expand its support base.
“Bernard Marak no doubt he has been working very hard , I have seen him he is always there for the BJP party and I am sure he will one day he will be a big leader of BJP Meghalaya, particularly in Garo Hills,” he added.
Bernard Marak projected as BJP’s 2028 challenger to Conrad Sangma: Hek
