SHILLONG :Senior BJP leader and MLA Alexander Laloo Hek on Monday said the party will hold an important meeting on May 20 to finalise its candidate for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll.
Speaking to reporters, Hek said discussions are ongoing within the party and several names are currently under consideration. Among the names being discussed are Mariahom Kharkrang, Wankitbok Pohshna, Ernest Mawrie, along with a possible candidate from Jaintia Hills.
“We will sit together and finalise the name tomorrow. Discussions are still going on within the party,” Hek said.
The BJP leader also claimed that several political leaders from different parts of Meghalaya, including Garo Hills, are in touch with the BJP over a possible switch.
“Many leaders are talking to us. Even from Garo Hills, people are in touch with the BJP,” Hek stated. When asked whether Leader of Opposition Mukul M. Sangma was among those considering joining the BJP, Hek avoided directly confirming the speculation.
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“Because of the anti-defection law, it is not proper for me to mention names at this stage,” he said. Hek further claimed that the BJP’s support base in Meghalaya is gradually expanding, with more political leaders and supporters showing interest in the party ahead of future elections.
“We can see that people are accepting the BJP more now. Leaders from different regions are approaching the party,” he added.