SHILLONG: In a significant political development, the Meghalaya unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received a major boost as former Nartiang MLA and three-time MDC Draison Kharshiing, along with over 200 of his supporters from the Nartiang constituencies in the Jaintia Hills, officially joined the party on Tuesday.
The joining ceremony took place at the state BJP headquarters in Shillong, where the new members were warmly welcomed by senior party leaders, including Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai, Meghalaya BJP President Rikman G. Momin, and other key party office-bearers.
Kharshiing, who represented the Nartiang constituency as an MLA from 2003 to 2008 and served as an MDC for three consecutive terms from 1989 to 2004, brings a strong grassroots base to the party.
Addressing the gathering, Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai highlighted that the influx of over 200 residents from the Jaintia Hills region reflects the BJP’s rapidly growing presence across the district and throughout the state. Shullai shared that his recent visits to the Jaintia Hills to engage in discussions with youth leaders and women’s organizations played a key role in this joining, as many local leaders expressed a strong desire to align with the party.
Shullai further stated that the public is no longer falling for baseless narratives and misinformation spread against the BJP, particularly opposition allegations made during election periods claiming that the party is anti-Christian or intends to ban beef consumption.
He criticized opposing parties for raising these false accusations during campaigns, only to seek coalitions with the BJP once elections conclude. He added that political parties recognize the necessity of working with the BJP to secure central funding and development for the state, as the BJP leads the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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