Party to contest LS bypoll, 2028 state elections independently
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 5: Following the BJP’s electoral performance in Assam and West Bengal, the party’s Meghalaya unit has predicted it will lead the state government in 2028.
Speaking to the media during victory celebrations at the party office, BJP leader and former MLA AL Hek claimed that several political leaders in the state have expressed interest in joining the party. “We have already held meetings with many of them,” Hek said, noting that the group includes sitting senior MLAs, former legislators, and MDCs.
BJP spokesperson M Kharkrang added that the party expects to reach double digits in the 2028 elections. Historically, the BJP has not secured more than two seats in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, despite its national incumbency since 2014.
BJP leader Sanbor Shullai also maintained that voters in both rural and urban Meghalaya are beginning to embrace Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance.
Downplaying concerns that the Christian community might hesitate to support the party, Shullai stated that the public’s desire for development would ensure their support in 2028.
During the event, the party paid tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee.
Describing the success in West Bengal as a significant moment in national politics, the party stated the results signaled a victory for trust over “appeasement, infiltration, and criminal politics.”
The party further criticised the TMC-led government in West Bengal for its opposition to central policies, suggesting that “negative politics and lies” are no longer effective with the electorate.
LS bypoll, 2028 state election decisions
The BJP has announced it will contest the upcoming Shillong Parliamentary by-election and the 2028 Assembly elections independently.
Party leaders M Kharkrang and AL Hek on Monday dismissed concerns over the party’s slow growth in Meghalaya, pointing to the BJP’s national trajectory from having only two MPs to its current majority. “We aim to reach double digits and will contest these elections alone,” Hek said.
Kharkrang stated that the party has already received several applications for the Shillong Parliamentary seat and will launch a full-scale campaign once a candidate is finalized. Currently, four to five applicants, including Ernest Mawrie, are seeking the party ticket for the bye-election.
Regarding preparations, Kharkrang said the party’s prospects rely on its performance. He cited the recent success in Assam as an example of “pro-incumbency,” noting that the BJP increased both its seat count and vote share despite being in power for a decade.
“Once the BJP is established, other parties become insignificant,” Kharkrang added.
