Shillong, Sep 5: When all eyes were on sitting UDP legislators, it was a former lawmaker who made the first move towards the BJP.
Former UDP legislator and general secretary Dr. Jemino Mawthoh will formally join the BJP on September 12 along with supporters, he announced on Saturday.
Mawthoh said his decision was after months of deliberation and not in haste. He said he has been in touch with state and central BJP leadership for some time, and had interacted with central leaders even before 2023 Assembly polls but sought time.
Mawthoh held the Nongthymmai seat until 2018 when he lost the election. His subsequent runs for office have been unsuccessful, having lost the Lok Sabha election in 2019 and the 2023 Assembly polls as well. He quit the UDP in May 2025.
His move assumes significance as nine of 12 UDP MLAs are speculated to be on verge of joining BJP.
Earlier in the day, a senior BJP leader hinted at fresh inductions, saying several citizens, groups and former MLAs have joined the party, but declined to comment on speculation of nine UDP MLAs switching, calling it media speculation.
“I cannot comment on such speculation. Discussions are going on internally,” he said.
Meanwhile, UDP sources said the matter is awaiting Delhi nod. It is learnt discussions were held in Guwahati earlier this week, attended by BJP North East in-charge Sambit Patra and convened by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma with several UDP MLAs.
Sources said Patra was sent by BJP national president on advice of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Speculation intensified after a photo surfaced showing eight UDP MLAs travelling to Delhi to meet Shah on August 10, accompanied by Patra. They were Lahkmen Rymbui (Amlarem), Kyrmen Shylla (Khliehriat), Balajiedkupar Synrem (Shella), Synshar Lyngdoh Thabah (Sohiong), Pius Marweiñ (Ranikor), Mayralborn Syiem (Nongpoh), Ollan Sing Suin (Mawsynram) and Matthew Kurbah (Mawphlang).
UDP has 12 MLAs and is part of MDA-II government along with NPP (33), HSPDP (2), BJP (2) and two Independents.
UDP leadership has expressed confidence such development will not take place. A source close to nine MLAs claimed they feel treated unfairly by the NPP and there is lack of coordination within government.
