Shillong, Sep 16: Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla today dramatically put his political future in the hands of his supporters, even as he made it clear that he, along with seven or eight other United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators, are set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party once the BJP central leadership gives the go-ahead.
Speaking at a public meeting at Byndihati in East Jaintia Hills, the two-time UDP legislator said that, after explaining the various matters to the people, he would leave the decision regarding his joining the BJP to his supporters.
During the meeting, Shylla clarified reports that had appeared in the media. He said the UDP delegation’s initial visit to Delhi to meet Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah was regarding issues related to Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), the Them Ïew Mawlong issue and inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
He said he had also raised the issue of coal mining with BJP leaders in Delhi and asked when coal mining restrictions would be loosened in Meghalaya. As a public representative from a coal-rich area, he expressed concern over difficulties faced by people because of the ban on coal mining and transportation.
Shylla further stated that, although there is an option of open-cast mining, it would be difficult to implement because of very high costs and because geographical conditions of the area may not be suitable.
He claimed that Shah wants at least five BJP MLAs from Meghalaya to facilitate the reopening of coal mining. During the discussion with Shah in Delhi, the UDP MLAs had not taken any decision and had asked for more time, as they had received an offer to join the BJP. In view of this, Shylla sought the decision of his supporters.
Denying any rift with the UDP or Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Shylla said, “I took this decision in the larger interest of the state and my assembly constituency.”
“There is no opposition or hard feelings against the UDP, which gave me power and support. They should not think that I am speaking ill of the party by making this decision,” the UDP legislator said.
Later speaking to some journalists over the phone, Shylla said, “Eight of us (UDP legislators) are confirmed to merge with the BJP, and the number could rise to nine. We are only waiting for the central BJP leadership to finalise the date of our joining.”
When asked if the UDP legislators negotiated for ministerial berths he said, “There were no such discussions on that (ministerial berths), but it will be their blessing whatever they give.”
Those who spoke at the meeting included Tuber Kmaishnong village headman Jiedlang Sana, Ladrymbai Dongwah village headman Deibor Suchiang, former Bataw MDC Joinriwell Pyrtuh and others. They said that they had no objection if Shylla joined the BJP.
People from various villages under Khliehriat constituency attended the meeting. As a sign of their support, the people raised their hands and there was reportedly no opposition from those present.
