Shillong, Sep 23 (PTI) Meghalaya Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, who joined the BJP on Wednesday with seven other UDP MLAs, said the move followed encouraging responses from the party on issues like including Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and greater Central support for the state.
“This is not something that happened suddenly. Discussions have been going on for some time,” he said.
Until now, the BJP had two MLAs and the UDP 12 in the 60-member Assembly. Both parties are backing the National People’s Party-led ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance in the hill state.
Besides Rymbui, Pius Marwein, Kyrmen Shylla, Mayralborn Syiem, Matthew Kurbah, Ollan Singh Suin, Balajied Kupar Synrem, and Synshar Kupar Roy joined the BJP in the presence of Union minister Kiren Rijiju, MP Sambit Patra, who is also the party’s coordinator for northeastern states, and other leaders.
At a joint press conference, Rymbui said the four key issues discussed with BJP leaders included the demand for the inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, an amendment to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, easing procedures related to coal mining in the state and relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong.
He said the issues were linked to the aspirations of the MLAs and matters requiring support from the Centre. “Some of the younger MLAs want to contribute to society and do something on issues affecting Meghalaya,” Rymbui said.
“BJP leaders have given encouraging responses to all these issues and other matters, and they will take action in the coming days. That is why we have come here to join the party,” he said.
Welcoming the UDP MLAs to the party, Rijiju said they have joined the BJP looking at the progress of the northeast and Meghalaya under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “It is an extremely important political development, not only for the northeast but the entire country.”
Rymbui thanked PM Modi and said the country had witnessed major changes under his leadership. PTI JOP NSD
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