SHILLONG:
After the National People’s Party (NPP) swept the 2023 general election in the state by winning 26 seats out of 57, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Delhi have advised the state unit to support the NPP in forming the next government in Meghalaya.
Assam Chief Minister and BJP heavyweight Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, “Adaraniya Sri @JPNadda ji, the national president of the @BJP4India has advised the state unit of BJP, Meghalaya to support the National people’s Party in forming the next government in Meghalaya. @SangmaConrad.”
BJP failed to make an impact this time as well and its numbers remained as it was in 2018 with two seats – thanks to AL Hek’s and Sanbor Shullai’s potentials, who, considering their past political histories, have won largely on their own and didn’t really need a party to support their candidature.
The NPP, even without the support of the BJP and UDP (which climbed up to 12 seats from 6 in 2018), can form the government with the support of smaller parties like HSPDP, PDF and independents.
But an NPP-BJP coalition is most likely following a discussion held between NPP chief Conrad Sangma and Himanta Biswa Sarma one day before the counting.
Hours after the results were declared, BJP state president Ernest Mawrie, acting on the party high command’s directives, submitted a “Letter of Support” to Sangma for formation of government.
In reply, the CM tweeted, “Thank you @BJP4Meghalaya for reaching out to the NPP and for extending your support to our party to form the Government. We will continue to work together to serve Meghalaya and its people.”