BJP yet to decide on CM candidate for 2018 polls

SHILLONG: The BJP is yet to decide on the chief ministerial candidate for the 2018 Assembly polls.
State BJP president Shibun Lyngdoh said on Sunday the matter will have to be discussed with central leaders as well as state party functionaries.
Earlier, during the visit of BJP leader from Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma to the city, he had said the State party president will look for the chief ministerial candidate.
“It is a fact that I was entrusted with the matter, but for this, further consultations are required,” Lyngdoh said.
The BJP leader said the party would contest in all the 60 seats and preparations are on for this. The party’s mission is to secure majority with 40 seats.
Regarding selection of candidates, Lyngdoh said the central leaders will take a final call on the matter.
“The process is that the committee at the polling booth level will recommend the name of the candidate to the mandal and from there to the district committee followed by the state election committee,” Lyngdoh said and added that finally the central leadership will approve the names.
MLA applicants to be screened
The BJP leader said that though many sitting legislators want to join the party, their background will be screened before accepting them in the party.
He said some legislators continue to meet party functionaries in Guwahati and Delhi, besides Shillong. “But we will screen their applications before the party finally decides on their entry,” he said.
Lyngdoh reiterated that at least 20 legislators are in touch with the party.