Turncoats joining party weren't promised tickets: BJP

Shillong, Jan 30:  Meghalaya Bharatiya Jata Party (BJP) chief Shibun Lyngdoh on Monday said turncoats joining the party ahead of the assembly elections were not promised party tickets.

“I want to make it clear that none of them (former Meghalaya legislators), who have joined the BJP have been promised to contest the assembly elections on BJP tickets,” he told IANS.

“They have joined expressing faith and confidence in the BJP’s polices and Prime Minister rendra Modi’s vision for development,” Lyngdoh said.

Four former Meghalaya legislators had joined the BJP on January 2 after resigning as members of the 60-member assembly in presence of Union Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons and BJP leader in-charge North East Ram Madhav.

Those who joined the party are former Congress Minister Alexder Laloo Hek, former Deputy Speaker Sanbor Shullai of the tiolist Congress Party, besides two Independents — Justine Dkhar and Robinus Syngkon.

“The BJP will choose its candidates who are winble and also based on the survey conducted by the party across the 60 assembly constituencies,” Lyngdoh said. Interestingly, the ruling Congress has announced the list of 57 candidates keeping pending the candidates for three assembly seats.

Elections to the Meghalaya Assembly will be held on February 27, counting of votes on March 3 and the entire poll process is scheduled to be completed on March 5. (IANS)