Meghalaya State BJP waiting for central nod to new executive members

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Nov 9: BJP leader and cabinet minister AL Hek has informed that the list of the new state executive members is awaiting the approval of the central leadership.

“This morning I spoke to the newly elected president Rikman G Momin, who is on the way to Delhi with a list for the approval of the central leaders. After getting the approval, they will publish the names of the new state executive members of the party,” Hek told reporters.

On the party’s preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Hek said that his name is among the three ticket aspirants for the Shillong parliamentary seat.

“However, I don’t know who the other two names are. So we will see who from the three names will be the best choice for contesting from Shillong parliamentary seat,” he said while adding “Among the three, whoever will be chosen, we will have to work hard and ensure win in this upcoming Lok Sabha election.”

On TMC leader and former chief minister Mukul Sangma joining the BJP, Hek however said the door of the BJP is not only open to TMC but also to all political parties.

“Mukul Sangma can join at any time he wants. I welcome him anytime but we have not discussed so how will I know if he is joining or not. But for us the door is open to anybody who wants to come to the BJP,” he said.

Hek also said that he has no idea on whether Mukul Sangma is in touch or not with the BJP central leadership.

Meghalaya UDP not in a hurry to declare candidates for upcoming polls

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Oct 18: United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh has informed that the party is not in a hurry to declare candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and MDC elections, which are slated to be held next year.

Speaking to media persons, Lyngdoh said “As party president, I am happy to know that there are many individuals who are eying to contest both MP and MDC election from UDP but the party is in no hurry to declare its candidates.”.

He said it was overwhelming to see that there are many individuals, who have approached and expressed their keen interest to contest the MP election on a UDP ticket.

He said so far two or three people have approached the party for tickets. “However, we are yet to take a final decision on the matter. The decision will be taken once the party sits for a meeting,” Lyngdoh said.

Sources within the party on Tuesday had indicated the names of two former legislators – Jemino Mawthoh and PT Sawkmie – and former HYC president Robertjune Kharjahrin as those vying for the UDP ticket.

With regards to the MDC election, the UDP president said that though the party is yet to take a call on the matter as well, there are sitting MDCs who have expressed their desire to re-contest the election.