Shillong: Former legislator Mohendro Rapsang jumped to the Bharatiya Janata Party this Tuesday. He brought a crowd of supporters to the party office in Shillong. State president Rikman G. Momin and Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai welcomed him into the fold. Rapsang served as the West Shillong MLA from 2018 until 2023. He previously held positions with Congress and the NPP.
The move sparked immediate tension. Several senior BJP members stayed away from the event to voice their displeasure. Many felt blindsided by the late notice. Insiders claim a small inner circle now controls all major decisions. This power grab threatens to fracture the party before the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election.
Momin denied any internal breakdown. He confirmed that Rapsang has no guarantee of a ticket for future runs. "In BJP, there is no assurance of a party ticket to anyone," he stated. General secretary Wankitbok Pohshna also dismissed reports of chaos. He claimed communication went out to all leaders via messaging apps.
The party has not picked a candidate for the by-election. They are waiting for the Election Commission to set the dates. Central leaders in Delhi will make the final call. Rapsang claimed he wants to build up the party. He plans to run for office again in 2028 if the party gives him the green light.
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