SHILLONG: Former United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and MLA Jemino Mawthoh has attributed his decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the persistent inability of Meghalaya’s regional parties to consolidate into a unified political platform.
Speaking after his formal induction into the BJP on Saturday, Mawthoh said the shift to a national party was prompted by the realization that only such platforms can now fulfill the state’s changing aspirations.
Mawthoh reflected on his years with the UDP, where he had worked to forge a united regional front.
After resigning in 2023 and a period of political silence, he decided by mid-2025 that the BJP’s record—especially in policy execution, welfare, and digital infrastructure—made it the right choice for Meghalaya.
ALSO READ: UDP MLA: 8 MLAs Ready to Join BJP
He also praised the central government’s strategic focus, citing improvements around the Siliguri Corridor.
Addressing internal UDP unrest, Mawthoh dismissed claims that UDP President Metbah Lyngdoh was to blame, instead pointing to broader issues of governance, constituency development, and coalition dynamics as the sources of dissatisfaction.
Mawthoh’s induction ceremony, which began with Christian hymns and prayers, saw BJP leaders—including State President Rikman Momin and MLA A.L. Hek—welcome him and his supporters.
Party leaders expressed optimism that the BJP’s current momentum will see it lead the Meghalaya government in 2028.
(4FrontMedia news)
