Tynsong asks 12 AITC MLAs to join BJP ahead of 2023 elections

“I think they (AITC) need to join BJP, it would be better for them. It is good if they join BJP pre-elections,” Tynsong told reporters when responding to a query about the prospect of the AITC as a new entrant to Meghalaya politics in 2023.

“If Dr Mukul Sangma and Charles Pyngrope wanted my advice, we can sit down with them and we will advise them that pre-elections join the BJP,” he added.

Refusing to point out the reason behind the sudden advice, Tynsong said, “Why should I further detail it, why should I elaborate on that…I don’t know but I have already said pre-elections it will be better if they join BJP.”

This also came at a time when the AITC is fighting hard to make its presence felt in Meghalaya. Although the AITC became the only opposition in the Assembly following the merging of 12 former Congress legislators last year, its performance in 2023 will depend on whether the party is acceptable by the people of the state.

The NPP leader further alleged that Dr Mukul Sangma’s prediction for 2023 will be “zero”.

“I think you remember very correctly, Mukul that time when he was chief minister of Meghalaya from 2010 to 2018. After 2010 then we went for election in 2013 his prediction was correct, 2013-2018 his prediction had totally failed, 2018-2023 his prediction is zero. That’s it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the BJP had already hinted that talks are on with the AITC legislator from Mawsynram Himalaya Shangpliang, who had expressed keen interest to join the party ahead of 2023 polls.

On Tuesday, over 200 people, mostly supporters of AITC from Mawsynram, had joined the BJP.

By Our Reporter