SHILLONG, June 28: With the 2028 Assembly elections nearly two years away, the BJP faces an early organisational test in West Shillong, where three prominent leaders are already vying for the party ticket.
Former state president Ernest Mawrie, former MLA Mohendro Rapsang, and former RSS leader Homnath Gautam have emerged as potential aspirants, setting the stage for a competitive internal contest.
While the BJP has not yet initiated its candidate selection process, the leadership will eventually have to balance organisational loyalty with winnability in a seat where the party seeks to gain ground.
The situation recalls previous challenges in North Shillong and Mawsynram, where ticket disputes led to the departure of key leaders—a move that hindered the party’s electoral prospects in those areas.
The potential candidates offer distinct backgrounds:
Mawrie finished third in the last election; Rapsang is a former local legislator; and Gautam brings extensive organisational experience from the RSS.
The party’s ability to manage these competing ambitions while maintaining unity will be critical as it prepares for 2028.
BJP leaders have not officially commented on the matter, and the candidate selection process is expected to begin much closer to the elections.
