Shillong, September 23 (Daily Kiran) : Minister Lakhmen Rymbui and seven other legislators from the United Democratic Party (UDP) announced their decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on September 23 in Shillong. This move comes after extensive discussions regarding significant issues affecting the state.
Rymbui emphasized that the decision was not made impulsively but was the result of prolonged consultations. During a joint press conference, he stated, “This was not sudden. We have been discussing this for quite some time.”
The eight legislators, which include Rymbui, Pius Marwein, Kirmen Shylla, Meiralborn Siem, Matthew Kurbah, Olan Singh Suin, Balajid Kupar Sinrem, and Sinshar Kupar Roy, formally joined the BJP in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra, who also coordinates party activities in the Northeast.
Rymbui noted that discussions with BJP leadership focused on four main issues requiring additional support from the central government. These issues include the demand for the inclusion of the Khasi and Garo communities in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety Act, streamlining coal mining processes, and relocating the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong.
He mentioned that these matters are crucial for the aspirations of the legislators and the people of Meghalaya. Many young legislators are eager to address issues impacting the public and contribute to the state’s development.
Rymbui expressed optimism, stating that BJP leaders responded positively to the issues raised during discussions, indicating a willingness to take action in the near future. This political shift comes as the Meghalaya Assembly, which has 60 members, previously included two BJP legislators and 12 from the UDP.
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