Senior BJP leader and Pynthorumkhrah MLA A. L. Hek on Tuesday stated that the decision on whether the party will contest the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha byelection rests entirely with the BJP central leadership. He said that the Meghalaya unit of the BJP will follow whatever directive comes from Delhi and that the state leadership has no independent decision-making power in this matter. Hek confirmed that internal discussions are ongoing within the state unit about the possibility of fielding a candidate for the Shillong seat, adding that while the party has several potential candidates, no final decision has been made yet. He also mentioned that the state president of BJP Meghalaya will soon convene a meeting to deliberate on the byelection. When asked about the possibility of supporting the National People’s Party (NPP) or any other party, Hek categorically ruled out such a move, stating that if the BJP decides to contest, it will field its own candidate and will not back candidates from other political parties. He reiterated that the party will follow the instructions of the central leadership but will ensure that any contest for the Shillong Lok Sabha seat will be fought on its own. This statement comes at a time when political parties in Meghalaya are gearing up for the byelection, and it adds clarity about BJP Meghalaya’s stand on contesting the seat.