Senior Meghalaya BJP leader Alexander Laloo Hek on Thursday claimed that several sitting MLAs from different political parties, including leaders from the Garo Hills, have expressed interest in joining the BJP.
Hek said some of the legislators were unable to switch parties individually because they did not have the numbers required to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law.
However, he did not identify the MLAs or disclose how many legislators had contacted him.
“I received calls from sitting MLAs from Garo Hills and from different political parties. They are ready to join, but they don’t have the numbers to defect and avoid the anti-defection law,” Hek said.
According to Hek, he has been receiving multiple calls from political leaders across Meghalaya who have shown interest in joining the BJP.
He said some of them were looking to join the party together rather than individually.
“The doors of the BJP are widely open and anybody interested in joining the BJP is most welcome,” Hek said.
The BJP leader claimed that the reported interest extends across Meghalaya’s three major regions — the Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills — and is not restricted to any particular political party.
BJP strength rises to 10
Hek’s remarks come days after eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs joined the BJP.
Following the move, the BJP’s strength in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly increased from two to 10, making it the second-largest party in the House after the National People’s Party (NPP).
The BJP is also part of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has said the change in the composition of the coalition does not affect the stability of the government.
Hek: ‘Power will come and go’
Hek also spoke about the broader political landscape, saying no political party or government can remain in power indefinitely.
“Power will come and power will go,” he said, adding that political parties should focus on respecting the people rather than becoming overly attached to power.
The veteran BJP leader, who has been active in politics for nearly three decades, said he had witnessed the rise and fall of several governments and political leaders.
He also cautioned against labelling an entire political party as arrogant, arguing that arrogance is an individual trait.
“Arrogance is not a party. Arrogance is individual only. Why blame the party?” he said.
Hek’s comments come amid heightened political activity in Meghalaya following the recent entry of UDP legislators into the BJP and the party’s preparations for the 2028 Assembly election.