SHILLONG: The BJP has finally decided to contest the Lok Sabha election from both the seats but has said its decision will not upset the alliance.
The party took the decision during a core committee meeting, attended by BJP in charge North East Ram Madhav, at Umiam on Friday.
BJP legislators AL Hek, Sanbor Shullai and state president Shibun Lyngdoh were among the leaders present at the meeting.
To a query, Hek ruled out the possibility of fissures in the MDA saying all the allies had contested the Ranikor by-poll without derailing the partnership.
The BJP has shifted from the alliance’s idea of fielding a common candidate in each of the parliamentary seat.
The UDP and HSPDP have already named their candidates for Shillong seat and are waiting for the next MDA meeting for the final choice. The PDF, another ally, has decided to field a candidate but is yet to name one.
In Tura, the NPP is looking to field former MP Agatha Sangma and is hoping to garner alliance support.
All the MDA partners have, however, vehemently denied any bickering within the alliance.
The BJP is also planning to contest the district council polls. Madhav has directed the party’s state leadership to field candidates in those constituencies in the district council polls where the BJP has the potential to win.
During the meeting, the party also reviewed the last Assembly election in Meghalaya. Madhav was informed about the resignation of many leaders in Jaintia Hills.
Last Thursday, several senior BJP leaders, including former MLAs Robinus Syngkon and Justine Dkhar, joined the NPP.
