Shillong: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and MLA Alexander Laloo Hek on Wednesday asserted that the party would contest the 2028 Meghalaya Assembly elections independently, expressing confidence that the party would be in a position to lead the next state government.
Addressing mediapersons here, Hek said the BJP has already begun strengthening its organisational network across the state and is working to expand its grassroots presence ahead of the next Assembly elections.
He said they will contest the 2028 Assembly elections on their own and are confident that the BJP will emerge stronger and lead the next government in Meghalaya.
The senior BJP MLA said the party is focused on building its support base and preparing for the electoral battle over the next two years.
Hek also spoke about the forthcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, revealing that the party leadership had initially approached him to contest the seat. However, he declined the proposal, citing his existing responsibilities as a legislator and minister.
He said they had asked him to contest the by-election, but he informed the leadership that he still has several responsibilities to fulfil and therefore is not contesting.
The BJP leader said he has instead recommended the name of fellow BJP MLA Sanbor Shullai as the party’s candidate for the parliamentary bypoll.
He said he has proposed Shullai’s name, and the final decision rests with the party’s national leadership. He added that whoever is chosen, they will fully support the candidate and fight the election with full strength.
Expressing confidence over the party’s prospects, Hek said there is adequate time to prepare for the by-election once the BJP announces its nominee.
The BJP is currently a partner in the National People’s Party-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government headed by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
Hek’s remarks indicating the BJP’s intention to contest the next Assembly elections independently are being viewed as a significant political signal ahead of the 2028 electoral contest in the hill state.
(IANS)
