Shillong: Longtime RSS leader Homnath Gautam joined the BJP in Shillong, triggering instant friction within the party. Anonymous sources claim members feel confused by Gautam's public framing of his twenty-five-year RSS history. They argue that RSS membership is a lifelong vow rather than a stepping stone for political shifts.
The move demoralized grassroots workers across rural constituencies. Critics blame State President Rikman Momin for a messy induction process that lacked clear messaging. Gautam, who brought a group of supporters with him, now eyes a seat in the 2028 Assembly elections. His arrival heats up the scramble for the West Shillong constituency ticket, which recently saw former NPP leader Mohendro Rapsang make a similar jump to the BJP.
Rikman Momin denied any internal divide. He insisted the party remains united despite the grumbling from the ranks. "No one can be unhappy when someone joins the party," Momin said. He brushed off concerns about the West Shillong ticket as premature, noting the next election cycle remains years away.
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