United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator from Khliehriat, Kyrmen Shylla, held a meeting with party leaders and supporters at Byndihati in East Jaintia Hills to discuss the possibility of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), amid growing speculation over a political realignment in Meghalaya.
The meeting centred on the possibility that a move to the BJP could create an opportunity for coal-mining activities to resume in East Jaintia Hills. Coal mining has historically been a major source of livelihood for people in the district, and its suspension has posed significant economic challenges for several communities.
Those supporting Shylla’s possible move included Joinlywell Pyrtuh, former MDC of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council; former MLA Justin Dkhar, who contested the 2018 Assembly election as a BJP candidate; headmen from several villages in East Jaintia Hills; and other local leaders and supporters.
Shylla did not make any formal announcement about joining the BJP. However, his address indicated that he was seriously weighing the possibility and sought to explain his position to his supporters. At the conclusion of the meeting, supporters raised their hands in a show of support for his possible decision to join the BJP.
