SHILLONG, APR 11: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing to contest the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, with at least five to six aspirants vying for the party ticket.

Speaking to reporters, BJP chief spokesperson M Kharkrang said the party is keen to enter the electoral fray and is awaiting a final decision from its central leadership.

“As a party, we would like to contest all elections. In earlier elections, including 2009 and 2024, we were ready to contest but were directed to support our alliance partners,” Kharkrang stated.

He informed that multiple candidates have already expressed interest in contesting the seat, adding that the party leadership at the national level will take the final call.

“We have around five to six aspiring candidates, and we hope the central leadership decides in favour of contesting the election,” he said.

Expressing optimism, Kharkrang asserted that BJP’s vote share in the constituency would see a significant rise if the party enters the contest independently.

“Once we contest, I’m very sure the BJP’s vote share will increase substantially this time,” he added.