SHILLONG : The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) strength in the Meghalaya Assembly increased from two to 10 after eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs formally joined the party in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The joining took place in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Meghalaya BJP president Rikman G Momin.
The eight MLAs are Cabinet ministers Lahkmen Rymbui of Amlarem and Kyrmen Shylla of Khliehriat, along with Mathew Beyondstar Kurbah of Mawphlang, Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah of Sohiong, Balajied Kupar Synrem of Shella, Mayralborn Syiem of Nongpoh, Pius Marwein of Ranikor and Olan Sing Suin of Mawsynram.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Rymbui said discussions regarding the move had been taking place for some time and that the central leadership had responded positively to the issues raised by the MLAs.
He said the legislators wanted to contribute to society and had placed several issues before the central leadership.
Among the demands highlighted by Rymbui were the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to address influx, simplification of coal mining regulations and the relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong.
According to Rymbui, the central leadership had responded positively to the demands.
“Today is a very important day for all of us. Talks have been going on for quite some time,” Rymbui said, adding that the group decided to join the BJP after receiving a positive response from the central leadership.
He also appealed to the people of Meghalaya to support the eight legislators following their decision to join the BJP.
BJP leaders said the move would strengthen the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Meghalaya and provide greater scope for addressing issues raised by the state.
On the demands raised by the MLAs, the BJP leadership highlighted the Khasi language’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule, MRSSA, coal mining and the rehabilitation of the Sikh community from the Harijan Colony at Them Iew Mawlong.
The BJP leader said discussions were underway with the Union Defence Minister regarding the relocation issue and expressed confidence that the matters could be addressed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
With the latest development, the BJP’s numerical strength in the Meghalaya Assembly has risen from two to 10 MLAs, while the eight legislators have moved from the UDP to the BJP.