With the Assembly elections approaching, as many as 15 sitting legislators are expected to change sides by January 2023.
At least eight legislators from other parties will join the NPP in January next year.
This was stated by State NPP president Wanwei Roy Kharlukhi yesterday while speaking to media persons at Mawkhar here.
Kharlukhi however did not divulge the name of the MLAs who will be joining his party.
Already, there are signals that Mohendro Rapsang (Shillong West), Hamlet Dohling (Mylliem), Samlin Malngiang (Sohiong), Jason S. Mawlong (Umsning), Kimfa S. Marbaniang (Rambrai-Jyrngam), Jimmy D. Sangma (Tikrikilla) and Marthon D. Sangma (Mendipathar) may switch over to the NPP. However, Shillong East MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh is keeping her cards close to her chest.
At the same time, three NPP MLAs from Garo Hills will not be given tickets to contest the 2023 elections.
There are speculations that the three NPP legislators who will be denied party ticket to contest are Ferlin C A Sangma (Selsella), S G Esmatur Mominin (Phulbari) and Benedic Marak (Raksamgre).
Meanwhile, BJP is also likely to see few MLAs joining the party before the 2023 polls.
According to State BJP president Ernest Mawrie, three MLAs from other parties will be joining his party next month.
Speculations are rife that Trinamool Congress MLAs Himalaya M Shangpliang (Mawsynram) and NPP legislators Ferlin C A Sangma (Selsella) may seek a poll ticket from the BJP. However, Benedic Marak (Raksamgre) is weighing his options between Trinamool Congress and BJP.
There are also clear indications that four legislators may join the UDP in January 2023.
They include two suspended Congress MLAs – Process T. Sawkmie (Mawlai) and Mayralborn Syiem (Nongpoh), HSPDP MLA Renikton L. Tongkhar (Mawkyrwat), independent MLA Lambor Malngiang (Nongkrem) and Trinamool Congress MLA Shitlang Pale (Sutnga-Saipung).
Interestingly, no sitting MLA has so far given any indication of joining the Congress which has ruled the State for most of its history.
