Internal dissent that plagued BJP in Meghalaya appears to be subsiding: Rikman G. Momin

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The internal dissent that had plagued the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Meghalaya appears to be subsiding, according to state party president Rikman G. Momin. The decision not to contest the recent Lok Sabha elections had been seen as a major setback for the state BJP, drawing criticism from several leaders within the party. Momin, acknowledging the discontent that emerged, clarified that the decision to abstain from the elections was taken by the central leadership in support of their alliance partner, the National People’s Party (NPP).

“We have to prepare for 2028 starting now. After the last parliamentary elections, there was some resentment within our party over not contesting. As the state president, I had to take the blame for that decision, even though it was made by our central leadership to support NPP and its candidates,” Momin stated during a press interaction on Saturday.

When asked whether the internal dissidence had finally been resolved, Momin responded, “Those who were opposing the decision have already resigned and joined other parties. At present, I don’t see any dissidence in the party.”

He emphasized that the BJP in Meghalaya is now focused on strengthening its grassroots presence. “The state BJP has 60 mandals, and we are currently reorganizing our booth-level workers. Though the monsoon season has slowed our outreach efforts, we are not sitting idle. The BJP works 24/7. Despite having only two MLAs, we are actively working with their support. Let people laugh at us now—we are determined to one day rule the state.”

Momin also addressed the challenges the party faces, particularly regarding its public image. He said the BJP has been the target of religious misinformation. “There is a lot of false propaganda against the BJP based on religion. But now people understand that Modi ji and our central leaders are not like that. We believe in inclusivity—we are not driven by any particular religion in our politics.”

Further, he confirmed that six former members of the BJP Executive Committee had been removed. “Some of them were non-performers, and others had already shifted to other parties,” he noted.

The restructured BJP state committee has now been announced. It includes six vice presidents: Khrawboklang Basaiawmoit (Shillong City); Bernard N Marak (Tura City); Er Lakhon Biam (West Jaintia Hills); Dr (Smti) Bernadette Lyngdoh (Shillong City); Bipen Pradhan (Shillong City) and Anil Hajong (Tura City). Two state general secretaries have been appointed are Wankitbok Pohshna (Shillong City) and Amitava Saha (West Garo Hills).

Also Read: Meghalaya to strengthen MRSSA, mandate tourist registration

Also Watch: