SHILLONG:
In a blow to the United Democratic Party (UDP), its associate member Samuel Sangma will join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
BJP sources confirmed that Sangma will be joining the saffron party at Tura in December.
Sangma is a four-time MLA representing Dalu, West Garo Hills district (2003 and 2008) and Baghmara in South Garo Hills district (2013 and 2018).
He had joined the UDP as its associate member on September 16, 2018.
With Sangma deciding to jump ship this would be a setback to the regional party which is trying to find a foothold in Garo Hills region.
According to reports, he recently met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati.
It may be mentioned that during the 2021 Garo Hills Autonomous District Council polls, although the UDP did not win any seats its vote share had increased.
Often in the past rivals taunted the UDP by calling it a “Khasi party” which has impacted its vote share.
Meanwhile, the BJP seems to be a big gainer with three sitting legislators from Garo Hills set to contest from the party in the 2023 assembly polls.
Apart from Sangma who will join the BJP, the others are Selsella MLA Ferlin CA Sangma and Phulbari legislator SG Estamur Mominin (both NPP).
In East Khasi Hills, Trinamool Congress legislator from Mawsynram Himalaya M Shangpliang will contest from the saffron party in the 2023 polls.
Sources also informed that BJP leaders are in touch with other MLAs from other parties too to convince them to contest from the party in 2023.
They also informed that at least two of them approached by the BJP are suspended Congress legislators.