Shillong, September 16: Senior BJP leader and Pynthorumkhrah MLA A.L. Hek on Wednesday claimed that the proposed entry of eight UDP legislators into the BJP has been finalised, saying Union Home Minister Amit Shah had personally indicated that the move would go ahead.
Hek said he had held a one-on-one meeting with Shah, during which the Union Home Minister made it clear that the matter was final. “I had met one-on-one with Home Minister Amit Shah and he has clearly said this is final,” Hek said. He also backed the issues reportedly raised by the UDP legislators, including implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) as an alternative to the Inner Line Permit system and inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
According to Hek, these demands are legitimate and deserve the BJP’s support. “Instead of ILP, we can opt for MRSSA. The Khasi language in Eighth Schedule has to be included. All these we have to respect, these demands are very genuine,” he said. Hek said the BJP would also push for these issues to be taken forward, adding that the demands should be translated into reality. He, however, declined to comment on reports of internal negotiations or personal demands made by the UDP legislators, saying such discussions were being handled at the national level.
On speculation that the proposed political realignment could involve power-sharing arrangements, including the post of Deputy Chief Minister, Hek said such matters would have to be decided by the national leadership and the Chief Minister. “It is the prerogative of the Chief Minister. So we have to abide as alliance partners,” he said.
While Hek did not specify when the eight legislators would formally join the BJP, he maintained that the move would take place. “I will not be able to give you the date but it will happen,” he said.
Hek also said Shah had indicated that he would visit Meghalaya and that the state BJP would receive official communication regarding the visit. Expressing confidence ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections, Hek reiterated his belief that Meghalaya would have a BJP-led government after the polls. “As I have told many times, 2028 it will be BJP-led government in Meghalaya, simple,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hek also called for minority status and corresponding benefits for followers of Meghalaya’s indigenous faiths, including Seng Khasi, Niam Tre and Sein Raij. Referring to constitutional protections for religious and linguistic minorities, Hek argued that followers of indigenous faiths should receive facilities on par with other recognised minority religious communities.
He said both Christians and followers of traditional faiths in Meghalaya belong to tribal communities and should therefore receive equal treatment. “Once you have given to me, the tribal, as a Christian the facilities of the minority status, why should we deprive Seng Khasi, Seng Raj?” Hek asked.
He said followers of Seng Khasi, Sein Raij and other indigenous faiths should not be excluded from such benefits merely because they follow traditional beliefs. “They are also entitled to the same because they are also tribal. Christians being tribals are given these facilities, they have to also give to Seng Khasi, Seng Raj,” he said.
Hek said he intends to write to the National Commission for Minorities on the matter, though he has not yet formally submitted any communication. He added that the issue had been raised with him informally by Seng Khasi leaders during discussions, and he had told them that seeking such recognition was their right.
