Shillong, September 29, 2026: More than 200 people from different parts of the Jaintia Hills formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a joining programme, with Meghalaya Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai claiming that many of the new members were previously associated with the National People’s Party (NPP), the Voice of the People Party (VPP), the Congress and other political organisations.
Shullai expressed satisfaction over the development, saying the new entrants included former elected representatives, youth leaders and members of different communities. He claimed that the growing number of people joining the BJP reflected increasing acceptance of the party in the Jaintia Hills region.
“We are very happy that more than 200 people from different parts of the Jaintia Hills have joined the BJP. Most of them came voluntarily after understanding the party’s policies, programmes and vision,” he said.
The minister said he had interacted with youth and community leaders while attending cultural programmes across the Jaintia Hills as chief guest. During these interactions, he claimed, several leaders expressed their willingness to join the BJP.
According to Shullai, some of the new members had previously believed allegations made by rival political parties that the BJP was an “anti-Christian” party. He claimed that their perceptions had changed after learning about the party’s policies and activities.
“They told me that they no longer believe the propaganda being spread against the BJP, including the allegation that it is an anti-Christian party,” he said, accusing rival parties of raising such issues primarily during election campaigns.
Shullai also criticised political parties that oppose the BJP during elections but later cooperate with it to form governments or seek assistance from the Centre.
He expressed confidence that more people from across Meghalaya would join the BJP in the coming months and years.
BJP Plans Grassroots Expansion Ahead of 2028 Elections
Shullai said the BJP would focus on strengthening its grassroots organisation and expanding its presence across Meghalaya ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
He called on party leaders and workers to engage with communities, explain the policies and development programmes of the BJP-led government at the Centre, and strengthen the party’s organisational network at the local level.
“We have to work hard, enlighten the people and spread our organisational wings across Meghalaya. Strengthening the party at the grassroots level is necessary if we are to form the government in the State,” he said.
The minister added that the newly inducted members would be assigned responsibilities according to the decisions and organisational requirements of the party leadership.
“There is no special category of work for the new members. Like every BJP worker, they will be asked to serve the party and the people. Everything will depend on the decision of the party leadership,” he said.
When asked about the possibility of political changes within the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, Shullai ruled out any immediate attempt by the BJP to destabilise the coalition.
He said the BJP continued to have faith in the MDA government’s leadership and would remain committed to decisions taken collectively by its coalition partners.
