SHILLONG, June 26: In a move that could bolster the Bharatiya Janata Party’s prospects in West Shillong ahead of the 2028 Meghalaya Assembly elections, former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) city secretary Homnath Gautam formally joined the BJP along with a large number of his supporters at the party’s state headquarters in Shillong on Friday.
Gautam, who is being seen as a BJP contender for the West Shillong Assembly seat, was welcomed into the party in the presence of Meghalaya BJP state president Rikman G. Momin, Shillong city district president H. Bob Lyngdoh, senior office-bearers and party workers.
Addressing the gathering, Momin said the BJP continues to expand its base in Meghalaya by bringing together people committed to the party’s ideology of ‘Nation First’.
Referring to the development initiatives undertaken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Momin said the Northeast has emerged as a key focus of the Centre and called upon party workers to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level.
“The BJP believes in dedication, discipline and loyalty. Every worker has a role in taking the party’s message to the people. We must remain united and work collectively to build a stronger organisation in Meghalaya,” Momin said.
On the other hand, Lyngdoh described Gautam’s induction as a significant addition to the party. Welcoming the new members, he stressed that the BJP functions as one united family where every worker is respected equally. “There should be no division within the party. Every member is a leader, and together we must work to strengthen the BJP. If we remain united, we can achieve our goal of winning the West Shillong Assembly seat in 2028,” Lyngdoh said.
He also urged the new members to maintain discipline, coordinate with the party organisation and follow its established procedures.
Speaking after joining the BJP, Gautam said his decision was guided by the party’s ideology and its vision for national development.
He praised the Centre’s focus on the Northeast and expressed his commitment to working for the people of Meghalaya through the BJP.
Calling on party workers to avoid internal differences, Gautam said unity would be the party’s greatest strength. “There should be no negativity among our own people. We must remain united, disciplined and dedicated in serving the public and strengthening the organisation,” he said.
New office inaugurated
The BJP on Friday inaugurated its West Shillong office in Mawbah. Party leaders, including Hek and Kharkrang, inaugurated it days after former National People’s Party leader Mohendro Rapsang joined the saffron party.
Speaking on the occasion, Rapsang said the office should be utilised to inform people about central government schemes and help them get the benefits. He also said that party workers could meet people and hear their grievances in the office.
Hek called for unity and brotherhood among communities, stating that the BJP believes in ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’.
Kharkrang stressed the need to strengthen the BJP organisation in the West Shillong constituency to ensure the party’s victory in the 2028 Assembly polls.
