Shillong, Oct 19: Jailed BJP leader and Tura MDC Bernard N Marak is determined to fight against the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma from South Tura in the upcoming 2023 Assembly elections in the state.

Informing this on Wednesday, BJP national executive member AL Hek said, “Decision has already been taken that he (Bernard) will contest the election.”

“If he is not granted bail before the election, he will surely contest from the jail,” he added.

According to the Pynthorumkhrah MLA, there have been many candidates in the past who have contested elections while serving jail terms. He cited that the former HNLC chairman and former Mawhati legislator Julius Dorphang had also contested the last election from jail.

When asked, Hek said, “Allegations can be made against politicians. However, until and unless it is proven, the allegation will remain an allegation only.”

Hek had recently visited Garo Hills and extended solidarity with the family of Bernard. “We told them that the party is behind you and don’t think that you have been left alone,” he said while adding that many people from the area are supporting Bernard.

During the visit, Hek convened a series of meetings in North and South Tura constituencies to prep the party for the upcoming 2023 polls.

Expressing confidence that the BJP will get into double-digit figure in 2023, the party leader said they are looking at 15 potential seats from the region. “If we get good faces we may get all 15 seats,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hek also informed that as many as 5 sitting legislators from different political parties have expressed interest to join the BJP. However, they are yet to give any confirmation and the party is waiting for them, he added.