SHILLONG – A senior face of Meghalaya’s regional politics is now moving into the BJP camp. Former UDP general secretary and ex-Nongthymmai MLA Dr Jemino Mawthoh has confirmed that he will formally join the BJP on September 12, ending more than a year of political uncertainty after his exit from the UDP.
Mawthoh resigned from the UDP in May 2025 as both a party member and general secretary, citing personal and unavoidable circumstances. He had served as the party’s general secretary since 2016 and as working president from 2014. His departure had triggered speculation about his next political move, with several parties, including the BJP, reported to have approached him. But Mawthoh did not immediately join another party.
In April this year, he had denied reports that he was joining the BJP, saying he needed to consult his supporters and well-wishers before taking a decision. He had acknowledged discussions with the BJP, Congress and NPP.
Mawthoh has now confirmed that the BJP is his choice. He said the decision followed consultations with the BJP’s state and central leadership as well as discussions with his supporters, friends and well-wishers.
He said his engagement with BJP leaders was not new and that he had interacted with the party’s central leadership even before the 2023 Assembly elections. He had, however, sought more time before deciding.
Mawthoh represented Nongthymmai as a UDP MLA from 2013 to 2018. He later contested the Shillong Lok Sabha election in 2019 as the UDP candidate, finishing second to Congress leader Vincent H Pala.
He also contested the 2023 Assembly election from Nongthymmai but lost.
Asked about reports that other UDP leaders could follow him into the BJP, Mawthoh said he had no direct information about their plans.
