Former Nongthymmai MLA says BJP can significantly expand its presence in 2028
Shillong, September 12: Former Nongthymmai MLA and former United Democratic Party (UDP) general secretary Dr Jemino Mawthoh, who formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, expressed confidence that the party could significantly expand its presence in Meghalaya in the 2028 Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters after joining the BJP, Dr Mawthoh said the political landscape in the State and the public narrative surrounding the BJP were gradually changing.
“The BJP may have only two MLAs at present, but who can say that it will not have more legislators in 2028?” he asked.
Drawing a comparison with the National People’s Party (NPP), Dr Mawthoh noted that the party had also started with only two legislators before increasing its strength to more than 20 seats. He said the BJP could similarly mobilise public support and bring about the “desired change” in Meghalaya.
On his departure from the UDP and reports that several of its legislators were considering joining the BJP, Dr Mawthoh said he had no ill feelings towards his former party or its leadership.
He recalled serving the UDP for two years as working president, nine years as general secretary and five years as an MLA. During his tenure, he said, efforts were made to unite regional political forces, although these attempts did not materialise.
Dr Mawthoh said he left the UDP on cordial terms and was even offered a farewell programme by the party. He described UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh as a respectable leader with whom he had maintained a good working relationship.
According to Dr Mawthoh, the UDP’s strength increased from six to 12 MLAs during their time in the party leadership, while it also won several bye-elections. He therefore said the present developments could not be attributed entirely to a failure of leadership.
On reports of dissatisfaction among some UDP legislators, Dr Mawthoh said their concerns could be linked to expectations from the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government not being fulfilled. However, he clarified that he had not spoken to the legislators concerned and was relying only on media reports.
“It may be a way of placing their grievances before the government and seeking greater respect for elected representatives from different constituencies,” he said, adding that he could not conclusively comment on their reasons.
Dr Mawthoh welcomed the possibility of more leaders joining the BJP, saying “the more, the merrier.” He added that he had already committed himself to the party and had taken the decision independently.
Responding to concerns among minorities about the BJP, Dr Mawthoh said he had studied the party’s constitution before joining. He said the document advocates integral humanism, positive secularism, value-based politics, good governance and effective administration.
He said the BJP would have to engage with the people and counter what he described as a one-sided narrative portraying the party as hostile towards minorities.
On issues raised by pressure groups and civil-society organisations in Meghalaya, Dr Mawthoh acknowledged that many of their concerns were genuine and were also being raised by political parties and ordinary citizens.
He said the key question was whether the government was addressing these concerns appropriately.
“It is now also our responsibility as members of the BJP to take these issues forward. If we find these concerns genuine, we must place pressure on the government to address them,” Dr Mawthoh said.
