SHILLONG — The decision of eight UDP MLAs to join the BJP has drawn criticism from the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum, with its secretary Rev. Edwin Kharkongor calling the move a betrayal of the mandate given by voters.
Kharkongor said there was nothing wrong with an ordinary citizen choosing to join any political party, but elected representatives were in a different position because they entered the Assembly on the strength of votes cast for them. He questioned the decision to change political sides after receiving that mandate and said the move raised concerns about whether public service had taken a back seat to personal and political interests.
The KJCLF secretary also criticised what he described as the BJP’s majoritarian politics, saying the party’s ideology was a concern for Christians and other minorities. He referred to the violence in Manipur and alleged incidents involving Christians and minority communities while questioning the political direction represented by the MLAs’ decision to join the BJP.
Kharkongor further said the switch could send an unhealthy message if elected representatives were able to change parties without facing political consequences from the people who elected them. He argued that the issue should ultimately be answered by voters in the constituencies represented by the eight MLAs.
