SHILLONG:
BJP leader and cabinet minister Alexander Laloo Hek, on April 24, admitted that he recently had an informal discussion over a ‘cup of tea’ with the two senior leaders of the opposition All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) – Mukul Sangma and Charles Pyngrope – about them merging with the BJP.
“We had this informal discussion about them joining the BJP. I had met Charles Pyngrope and Mukul Sangma over a cup of tea (but they said) we will see first and then take a decision,” Hek told reporters.
AITC being a new entrant in Meghalaya politics had won five seats while the BJP has two MLAs in the current 59-member House; the adjourned election to Sohiong seat will be held on May 10.
“Till now he (Mukul) has not said he is going to join but he said he will see first,” Hek said while adding “Until and unless we have confirmation, I cannot go and talk with the national leaders.”
On the other hand, the senior BJP leader said the party is ready to take the discussion beyond the tea session to ensure good leaders join its fold.
“I will be a happy person to pursue this every day. Not only tea session but it will go with many other sessions also in the future to ensure good leaders join the party,” he said while adding that “Leaders like Mukul Sangma, Charles Pyngrope and other senior leaders if they join, it will be a great boost for the BJP in Meghalaya.”
He however said neither the BJP nor the leaders of AITC had approached each other to further discuss the possibility of them merging with the party. “However, the topic of them merging with the BJP came up for discussion over a cup of tea and it is yet to be a serious talk,” Hek added.
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