SHILLONG, MAR 8: The state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday welcomed the joining of opposition All India Trinamool Congress (or TMC) leader and former Salmanpara legislator Winnerson D Sangma and indicated that even sitting MLAs of the party would also be joining its fold very soon.
Winnerson was welcomed by the BJP state president Rikman G Momin in the presence of the two MLAs – AL Hek and Sanbor Shullai, chief spokesperson M Kharkrang and other party leaders and functionaries.
Stating that the joining is a clear indication that the BJP will come out victorious from both parliamentary seats in the Lok Sabha elections, Hek said, “The other former MLAs or sitting MLAs very soon are joining to the BJP so we are waiting for the time as in a few days time, they are also joining.”
Asked how many TMC MLAs will be joining, Hek said, “How many will come, just wait and watch.”
Shullai while responding to a query said that the BJP is ready to give a red carpet welcome to TMC leader and former chief minister Mukul Sangma.
“Dr Mukul is a seasoned politician. Here in a party office we will put a red carpet welcome for Dr Mukul Sangma,” he said.
Earlier while speaking to reporters after his formal joining, Winnerson said he cannot speak on behalf of Dr Mukul Sangma and his decision.
“His (Mukul) decision I cannot express to you that is up to him (whether he is joining or not). It is his decision which will carry him forward to render service to the people,” he said.
The former MCS officer said his intention of joining the BJP is with an eagerness to serve with commitment to render service to the people in a better platform.
“I have been in active politics since 2013. I had represented Salmanpara constituency for 10 years from 2013 to 2023 but I could not make it in the last Assembly elections. But still I am active and in circulation in active politics. I wanted to serve the people with my commitment and dedication which is why when I look at the prevailing environment situation in the state as well as in the nation, I understood that BJP’s platform is a very strong platform in the state and national level, which is why to strengthen the party in the state level, I have decided join and today I am very grateful to the state president and other members of the family of the party who welcoming me in this short function. I will carry forward my commitment and dedication to render service to the people of my constituency and people of the state so that I can also contribute to the growth of the nation through this party,” he said.
He also expressed gratefulness to the leaders of the TMC particularly the national president Mamata Banerjee and general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and leaders of the state – Dr Mukul Sangma, who led the state for many years as leader.
“I decided to leave the party but Dr Mukul Sangma and other leaders have been very kind to me on various levels. I am still grateful to them but as of today in the prevailing political environment in the state, I find that BJP is growing and people have started to accept it,” he said.
Winnerson claimed that many more are joining in the next few days. He said that this is because under the leadership of Rikman Momin, the acceptance of BJP in Garo Hills is growing.
“There are people who have expressed their faith and confidence with the party and many are ready to join in the party behind me. I am very confident that very soon in the ensuing general election to the Lok Sabha, you will find that many people will join to work and uplift the party and I believe with people’s participation and cooperation, we will expand the popularity of the party in the Western sector of the state,” he said.
