TURA: The ongoing changing of parties and switching of alliances in the run up to the assembly elections in the state continues unabated as both the national and regional parties poach members of one another to lure away potential winners and important leaders.
The National People’s Party which has a strong following in Bajengdoba region of North Garo Hills has suffered a setback with its block president and youth leader resigning and joining the BJP on Tuesday.
Citing personal reasons, Bajengdoba NPP block committee president, Rakman Ch Marak, stepped down from the party and marched off with his supporters into the BJP.
He was given a warm welcome by BJP leaders led by BJP state president Shibun Lyngdoh and the only Garo legislator from Assam, Dr Numal G Momin of Bokajan constituency, during a welcome programme of the party at Resubelpara’s Jonglapara field.
Giving reasons for leaving the NPP and joining the BJP, the former NPP youth leader said, “The only way development can come to our state of Meghalaya and Garo Hills is with the BJP being brought to power because this is a party that lays utmost importance on development. It is there for everyone to see how development has accelerated in those states where the BJP is in power. Likewise, Meghalaya should not be left behind which is why me and my supporters decided to be part of such a party that has in its agenda ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. This is a time for change,” said Rakman Marak.
Marak was a former candidate of the NPP in the 2015 Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections and contested from Bolsong constituency of Bajengdoba. He lost to the Congress’ Jogonsing Sangma.
As the state elections draw nearer, more political upheavals are expected among the contesting parties particularly during ticket allocations as disgruntled candidates left out could spring up as Independents or contest from opposing parties.
