SHILLONG, JUN 26: Citing years of “unresolved issues” and poor access to central schemes, over 30 political workers from other parties joined the BJP in Mawlai on Friday as the party constituted a full-fledged 36-member Mandal for the constituency.BJP spokesperson M Kharkrang said the formation of the 15-Mawlai Mandal was aimed at bridging development gaps. “We are happy and delighted to establish the Mawlai Mandal,” he said. “Those who joined today were with other parties in the past. After years of unresolved issues and extensive consultation, they said enough is enough. Other constituencies have received benefits, so why should Mawlai be deprived?”Synsharlang Maiong, who will head the new Mandal, said the shift to the BJP was driven by lack of delivery on the ground. “We have worked with different parties over the years, but saw no positive outcome,” Maiong said. “Central schemes reach constituencies, including Mawlai, but many eligible beneficiaries here don’t get them because there is no one to facilitate access. We cannot claim everyone in Mawlai is doing well; many still need help and support.”He added that the decision was taken collectively after “thorough deliberation.” “We did not act in haste. We unanimously decided that the BJP can help the poor in Mawlai. That is why we joined and formed the Mandal,” Maiong said.Outlining the Mandal’s immediate priorities, Kharkrang said the team would focus on grassroots outreach. “He and his team will reach the far-flung areas of Mawlai to brief people on development schemes available, especially those benefiting poor and low-income families,” he said. “Leave aside roads — those will come — there are many other schemes that affect every household.”Kharkrang maintained that the move was not election-driven. “Elections aside, we want the people of Mawlai to develop and catch up with others,” he said. “More than 30 have joined today. With 36 members from President to Executive Members, we now have a full-fledged Mandal. The next step is to form booth committees.”According to a BJP notification issued Wednesday, the 15-Mawlai Mandal will serve the 2026-2028 term. The 31-member office bearers list includes three Vice-Presidents, two General Secretaries, three Secretaries, a Treasurer, and 20 Executive Members.
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