SHILLONG, June 30: Former legislator from South Tura, John Lesslee K Sangma on Wednesday officially joined the BJP.

Sangma was welcomed by the BJP state president Ernest Mawrie in the presence of cabinet minister Sanbor Shullai and MLA AL Hek.

Speaking to reporters, Sangma said he has been asking the people in Garo Hills including his well-wishers and leaders one basic question that can anyone deny the fact that BJP will be there in the Centre for the next 20 years.

“Everyone said no they cannot deny that then why should we Meghalayans be outside development. Why should we turn our backs on a political party which is governing at the Centre and deprive ourselves of development. Therefore, the reason I joined the BJP is my need and my dream for development to the people of Garo Hills and to the people of Meghalaya.”

He said that the youths are in desperate need of jobs, the road conditions are pathetic, and more health infrastructure is needed.

“Whatever is happening in Assam really encouraged me to move forward and be a part of this great party and to bring as many development as possible with the support and cooperation of leaders of the party,” he said.

Sangma also expressed his interest to contest from South Tura, which is presently represented by the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. “However, I leave it to the wisdom of the party. Whether they want me to contest or not, I will leave it to them to decide,” he said.

When asked, Sangma also stated that the NPP has many candidates in its own fold.

“As we all know the chief minister is there so you think that I have a chance for a ticket there. I would like to come there as a choice there for the people. If they feel that Conrad has delivered, then definitely they will vote (for him) but if he has failed then I want to be there to be as an alternative, provided the party feels that I should represent them,” he asserted.