State unit distances itself from Hek’s ticket offer to former Chief Secretary DP Wahlang
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 20: The BJP in Meghalaya appears internally divided over the strategy for the upcoming Shillong Parliamentary bye-election, after senior MLA A.L. Hek publicly suggested offering the party ticket to former Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, who has already turned down the offer.
The state BJP unit was quick to distance itself from Hek’s statement. In a clarification issued on Monday, the party made it clear that the remarks by the MLA and former Cabinet Minister were his personal opinion and did not reflect any official decision of the party.
“No discussion regarding any such offer has taken place among the senior leadership of BJP Meghalaya,” the party statement said, emphasising that the BJP is a rules-based and process-driven organisation.
The party further explained that the allotment of tickets for any election, including parliamentary and assembly polls, strictly follows procedures laid down by the central steering group. Only the Central Parliamentary Board has the authority to finalise candidates, and that too only after the election dates are officially announced.
According to the party, once an election is notified, applications are invited from interested party members. The state election committee then recommends names to the Central Parliamentary Board, which selects the most suitable candidate based on merit.
“Any talk of giving a ticket to someone without following due procedure does not arise in a party like the BJP,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, BJP Meghalaya President Rikman G. Momin revealed that at least seven leaders have already expressed interest in contesting the Shillong Lok Sabha seat. He disclosed that the list of aspirants includes at least two to three former MLAs, while three sitting legislators have also shown interest.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Momin said the party is currently in the process of shortlisting candidates and will forward the proposed names to the central leadership after completing all formalities.
“We already have seven aspirant candidates for the Shillong Lok Sabha seat. I will not name anyone right now, and there may be more to come,” he said.
Momin added that the party would give priority to candidates with “good reputation, popularity, and organisational strength.”
