SHILLONG, June 26: The Meghalaya BJP on Friday constituted its first full-fledged Mandal Committee in the Mawlai Assembly constituency, marking a significant step in its efforts to strengthen organisational network in one of the state’s politically significant constituencies.
Welcoming the Mandal’s formation, BJP spokesperson M Kharkrang said the move reflected the party’s growing organisational strength in Mawlai and the increasing confidence of people in the BJP.
Addressing concerns over the party’s prospects in a constituency where the Voice of the People Party enjoys considerable support, Kharkrang said the BJP’s immediate priority would be to build a strong grassroots organisation rather than focus solely on electoral gains.
“Our objective is to earn the trust of the people first by establishing a strong support base in the constituency before aiming to win the seat,” Kharkrang said.
He said many of those who joined the BJP on Friday had previously been associated with other political parties but decided to switch allegiance after becoming dissatisfied with the lack of progress on local issues.
“After years of unresolved issues and extensive consultations, they felt enough is enough. Other constituencies have benefited from development initiatives, so why should Mawlai be deprived?” he said.
He announced that Synsharlang Maiong would head the 36-member Mandal, which would focus on taking government welfare schemes to the grassroots.
“The new team will reach even the far-flung areas of Mawlai to create awareness about development schemes, particularly those aimed at poor and low-income families. There are several welfare programmes that can benefit every household,” Kharkrang said.
Emphasising that the party’s approach was centred on development, he said the formation of the Mandal was only the beginning of a broader organisational exercise.
“Our focus is on ensuring that the people of Mawlai benefit from development and catch up with other constituencies. More than 30 people joined the party today, and with the Mandal now in place, our next step is to constitute booth committees,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Maiong said his decision to join the BJP stemmed from disappointment with his previous political associations and concerns over the inadequate implementation of welfare schemes in the constituency.
“We have worked with different political parties over the years but did not see the desired results. Although Central schemes reach Mawlai, many deserving beneficiaries are unable to access them because there is no effective mechanism to facilitate their implementation,” he said.
He further stated that the decision to join the BJP was taken after extensive discussions with like-minded colleagues.
“We did not make this decision in haste. After thorough deliberations, we unanimously concluded that the BJP could provide a better platform to serve the poor and ensure that deserving people receive the benefits of government schemes. That is why, we joined the party and formed the Mandal,” he said.
The BJP issued a notification announcing the names of office bearers of the Mawlai Mandal for the 2026-2028 term. The committee comprises 31 office bearers, including three vice-presidents, two general secretaries, three secretaries, a treasurer and 20 executive members.
The Mawlai Mandal was formally inducted at the BJP state office in the presence of state president Rikman G Momin, MLAs Sanbor Shullai and Alexander Laloo Hek, party spokesperson M Kharkrang and other senior party leaders.
