Shillong, Sept 12: Former UDP leader and political figure Dr Jemino Mawthoh formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying he chose the party after analysing the political landscape in Meghalaya and at the national level.
Speaking after joining the BJP, Mawthoh said his decision was guided by his assessment of the Constitution and the BJP’s stated political principles. He said the party stood for democracy, “positive secularism”, integral humanism and value-based politics.
“I feel right now the BJP is the right choice,” Mawthoh said, adding that he did not see another political alternative that could provide the same direction at present. He said the BJP’s approach towards India’s diversity and complexity also influenced his decision to join the party.
Mawthoh said he was confident that the BJP would make a significant difference in Meghalaya ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
“I’m very certain that 2028, you will see the difference,” he said, asserting that the BJP was “all set to come to power in 2028.”
He also spoke about Meghalaya’s dependence on financial support from the Centre and credited the present state government with facilitating the implementation of various central schemes and projects in the state.
According to Mawthoh, a stronger BJP presence in Meghalaya could further strengthen Centre-state relations and accelerate development.
Thanking the BJP leadership for welcoming him into the party, Mawthoh said Meghalaya had “hidden treasures” in areas including education, natural resources and river systems. He said these resources needed to be converted into opportunities for the people.
He also stressed the need to connect Meghalaya’s regional aspirations with national objectives. Referring to his conversations with BJP leaders, Mawthoh said he believed the party could provide a platform to bridge the two.
Mawthoh further expressed support for strengthening policies aimed at improving ease of doing business and creating greater opportunities in Meghalaya. He said he was looking forward to a change in the state’s political and development landscape.
