Shillong, Sep 23: Pynthorumkhrah MLA Alexander Laloo Hek of the Bharatiya Janata Party welcomed the joining of eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs to the BJP, saying the development would strengthen the party in Meghalaya and help it work towards forming a BJP-led government in the state in 2028.
Hek said the development was a matter of “happiness” for the BJP family in Meghalaya. “I welcome all of them to the BJP, all eight of them. We are here to work together to ensure that in 2028 we will have a BJP-led government,” Hek said.
Asked about reports of more leaders, including those from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), approaching the BJP, Hek said some individuals had approached him but not as representatives of their respective parties.
He said the party would have to consider the provisions of the anti-defection law before any sitting MLA switches parties.
“Many from different political parties have approached us, but as individuals. The door of the BJP has always been open. Anybody who wants to join the BJP, whether sitting MLAs or former MLAs, is welcome,” Hek said.
Hek said the induction of the eight UDP MLAs was a major development for the BJP as well as the people of Meghalaya, claiming that the move was linked to the interests of the state and its people.
Asked whether the BJP’s expansion would create problems for its ally, the National People’s Party (NPP), Hek said the BJP would focus on strengthening its own organisation rather than commenting on other parties.
On whether the BJP was looking at replacing the NPP-led government, Hek said the party would assess the situation after the 2028 Assembly elections.
“We will see after the 2028 elections what kind of alliance partners will be there and what combination we can have. What I am telling you is that there will be a BJP-led government,” he said.
Asked about a possible change in leadership before the elections, Hek said the present government was led by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and that the BJP was part of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA).
“This is the MDA government led by Conrad Sangma. We are working with the MDA alliance only. We don’t have anything to say against anybody,” he said.
Hek also confirmed that some NPP MLAs had approached the BJP individually but said any decision would depend on several factors, including the implications under the anti-defection law.
On whether the BJP would seek additional cabinet berths following the induction of the eight MLAs, Hek said the matter would be discussed within the BJP legislature party after the MLAs return from Delhi. “It is too early to make any comment on that,” he said.
Asked whether he would seek his own induction into the cabinet, Hek, who has been out of the cabinet for the past three years, said that was not his immediate priority. “I am not looking for my induction. I have to strengthen the party,” he said.
