SHILLONG, SEPT 23: In a major political realignment, eight MLAs of the United Democratic Party (UDP) on Wednesday merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi, raising the BJP’s tally from two to ten in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly.
The MLAs – Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui, Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla, Mawphlang MLA Mathew Beyondstar Kurbah, Sohiong MLA Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah, Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem, Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, Ranikor MLA Pius Marwein and Mawsynram MLA Olan Sing Suin – were welcomed and felicitated by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju in the presence of BJP MP Sambit Patra, central leaders and state president Rikman G Momin.
The merger came after the central leadership reportedly agreed to resolve four core demands of the state – inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule, relocation of Harijan colony from Them Iew Mawlong, resolving the coal mining issue and amending the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to check influx.
“Inclusion of Khasi, MRSSA, coal issue, rehabilitation of Sikh community, that issue is important, we are in talks with Defence Minister and I am sure these important issues under leadership of Modi and CM will be successfully resolved,” Patra said.
“Now the strength of NDA increases in Meghalaya. Eight MLAs from Meghalaya, a state which receives the maximum rainfall, have all joined the party,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the eight legislators, Cabinet Minister and Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui said the decision was driven by aspirations of young MLAs and the need for central support on key state issues.
“Today is a very important day for all of us especially for the 8 MLAs who are joining the BJP today. I am very thankful to our Prime Minister as under his leadership we have seen transformation of the country, Home Minister Amit Shah, Kiren Rijiju, president of the party in the state Rikman G Momin,” Rymbui said.
“It is a very sudden happening, talks have been going on for quite some time. As you see there are young MLAs and they have aspirations to contribute to the society and there are few issues in the state which we need the support of the government,” he said.
“One is the inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule, amendment to MRSSA, which is a state law, to simplify coal mining in the state of Meghalaya and the issue of Them Metor (relocation of the Harijan colony from Them Iew Mawlong) and other issues. All these issues, the central leadership has responded positively. They will do it in course of time. That is why we are here today to join the party,” he added.
Appealing for public support in Khasi, Rymbui said, “We got that positive response and that is why we have decided to join the BJP from today. We appeal to the people to give us support.”
By Our Reporter
