Shillong: Eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs have completed the process of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi on Wednesday, according to sources.
The legislators were received at the BJP office in Delhi by Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and other party leaders.
Sources said a formal induction ceremony involving senior BJP leadership could follow once the remaining formalities are completed. Earlier reports had indicated that the joining could take place in October.
The eight MLAs had been in discussions with the BJP over a set of demands, including the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, measures concerning the Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), changes to coal-mining restrictions and the relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong, among other issues.
The legislators named in the group are Lahkmen Rymbui (Amlarem), Kyrmen Shylla (Khliehriat), Balajied Synrem (Shella), Synshar Roy Kupar Lyngdoh (Sohiong), Olan Singh Suin (Mawsynram), Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah (Mawphlang), Mayralborn Syiem (Nongpoh) and Pius Marwein (Ranikor).
The reported move comes after weeks of discussions between the eight legislators and the BJP. Suin had earlier confirmed that the group was negotiating with the BJP, while Shylla subsequently said the legislators had received assurances from the party’s central leadership on their demands.
