TURA: The changing of parties and switching of alliances in the run up to the Assembly elections in the state continues unabated as both national and regional parties poach on one another to lure away potential winners and important leaders.
The National People’s Party, which has a strong following in the Bajengdoba region of North Garo Hills, has suffered a setback with its block president and youth leader resigning and joining BJP on Tuesday.
Citing personal reasons, Bajengdoba NPP block committee president, Rakman Ch Marak, stepped down from the party along with his supporters.
He was given a warm welcome by BJP leaders led by state president Shibun Lyngdoh and the only Garo legislator from Assam, Numal G Momin of Bokajan constituency, during a welcome programme of the party at Resubelpara’s Jonglapara field.
“The only way development can come to our state of Meghalaya and Garo Hills is if BJP is brought to power because it 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,” Rakman said.
“Likewise, Meghalaya should not be left behind, which is why I 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,” the former NPP youth leader said.
Rakman 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 Jogonsing Sangma of Congress.
As the state elections draw nearer, more political upheavals are expected in the contesting parties, particularly during ticket allocations as disgruntled candidates left out could spring up as Independents or contest from opposing parties.
