Shillong, Jan 23: Former BJP state youth wing president Egenstar Kurkalang on Wednesday formally joined the United Democratic Party (UDP).

Speaking at a meeting held here, UDP chief Donkupar Roy termed the joining of Kurkalang as a home coming and said that he can become an asset to the party.

Roy also announced that Kurkalang, who is also a lawyer, will be the candidate of the party from Nongkrem constituency and urged him to work hard to win the upcoming elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

“We expect that you can contribute a lot to further strengthen the laws of the district council,” he said while lamenting that there have been no efforts to strengthen the traditional courts under the jurisdiction of the KHADC since 1959.

In his speech, Kurkalang said he has decided to join the UDP based on the suggestion of his supporters in Nongkrem.

“I have also decided to join the UDP because it is a discipline party,” he said. Kurkalang also recalled how he used to help his father, who is a strong supporter of the UDP, in distributing the party manifesto. He assured to work hard to ensure he wins the upcoming elections.

Others present at the meeting include Mookaiaw MLA Nujorki Sungoh, vice president A Dkhar, general secretary Jemino Mawthoh and other party leaders and supporters.