TURA, Dec 29 - In a huge boost to the saffron party, four former MLAs formally joined BJP in Mendal village in North Garo Hills today. The four former MLAs included Billykid Sangma (Tura), John Manner Marak (Bajengdoba), Adolf Lu Hitler Marak (Rangsakona) and Omillo K Sangma (Kharkutta).
While Omillo and John Manner were senior members of NPP before resigning, Hitler belonged to Congress. Billykid, who was a former State vice president) rejoined BJP after resigning on personal reasons.
The joining of the four took place in the presence of over a 1,000 party workers who came to attend the �karyakarta sammelan�. Their joining also saw the presence of State BJP president, Shibun Lyngdoh, vice presidents David Kharsutti and Rikman G Momin.
�We want to ensure the vision of the Narendra Modi- led BJP Government to come to Meghalaya so that things can change for the better. Don�t believe in propaganda being spread about the party being anti-Christian or anti- Muslim. Our agenda of �Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas� encompasses everyone and these lies will not last,� said Shibun Lyngdoh while addressing the crowd.
Shibun also berated the dynastic rule in both the Congress and NPP stating that BJP was the only party that had allowed for development of people based on their capability and not on family.
�Our government has only spoken of development and that is what we want to bring to Meghalaya as well. A change needs to happen and that is why you have to work hard to spread the message. The BJP-led Government at Centre has shown the path forward for the country and that is why 19 States in the country have embraced the BJP. Meghalaya needs the same as well,� said party vice president Kharsutti. He also hit out at NPP.
Former Kharkutta MLA, OK Sangma also hit out at NPP for its attitude in dealing with seniors in the party. �We were the founders of the party along with late PA Sangma and their treatment of us has left a bad impression. For us BJP is the way forward in the State and thus we joined the party,� said Sangma.
Former Congressman Hitler Marak said, �For decades Congress has ruled the State but where is the development. We are certain BJP will be leading the next government in Meghalaya,� he added.
Former Tura MLA, Billykid vented his anger at Dr Mukul Sangma for the neglect shown towards Tura, while only looking after his own constituency of Ampati.
