SHILLONG, JUN 23: Former West Shillong MLA Mohendro Rapsang returned to electoral politics Tuesday after formally joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, pledging to work for Meghalaya’s development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Rapsang was inducted into the party in Shillong by BJP Meghalaya president Rikman G Momin and cabinet minister Sanbor Shullai, with party workers and mandal members in attendance.
Calling it an “honored” step, Rapsang said Modi’s governance model drew him back to public service.
“I am honored to join the BJP today on June 23 and stand among the pillars of strong and prosperous India,” he said.
“Under the visionary and dynamic leadership of our prime minister Narendra Modiji India is progressing with strength, confidence and global respect. His commitment to nation building, efforts in transforming India into a prosperous and self-reliant country inspired me to dedicate myself to continue public service,” Rapsang added.
The former Congress legislator, who later contested the 2023 Assembly polls on an NPP ticket but lost to UDP’s Paul Lyngdoh, said his focus now would be on grassroots aspirations.
“The BJP has made it clear that we must listen to the aspirations of the people and that’s the objective I will take forward and committedly to working sincerely for the welfare of the people,” he said. “I will work for the progress of our state, our nation and I seek the support and blessing of everyone as I begin this new journey. I will strive to make our journey together, a story of progress, prosperity and a pride for Meghalaya and India,” he stated.
“No assurance of tickets in BJP”: State president
Welcoming Rapsang, state BJP president Rikman G Momin said the party remains open to leaders who want to strengthen it, but stressed that ticket allocation is not guaranteed.
“We welcome former MLA Mohendro Rapsang. He has joined BJP today formally and we are going to work together,” Momin said.
He conveyed good wishes from former president Ernest Mawrie, who is currently in Kolkata.
On the question of candidature, Momin was direct, “We never assure tickets because in BJP everyone is welcome to strengthen the party. A good leader and prominent leader joining naturally will help the party grow.”
He dismissed speculation about internal rivalry. “As a BJP, we will work and we will work to win. There is no question of Paul, Rapsang or Mawrie or anybody else so as a party we are going to work together to win the constituency.”
Momin said inductions will continue.
“In politics, everyday joining is there so whenever there are people who want to join we accept. We welcome everyone… so that the schemes, projects which the government of India has already allotted to Meghalaya will reach the concerned beneficiaries,” he said.
Asked about more former MLAs joining, he added: “I will not be able to reveal now but joining will be ongoing.”
