Despite beef ban row, BJP keen to enlist support of two Independent MLAs in Meghalaya

New Delhi, Aug 30: Close on the heels of a massive debate over beef ban and a series of controversial meetings between BJP leaders and Christian representatives in Meghalaya, two Independent legislators are now likely to join the saffron party. The development is expected to give a much-needed boost to the BJP in the run up to the Assembly polls due in February 2018. The two Independent MLAs -- Justine Dkhar and Robinus Syngkon -- met BJP president Amit Shah in New Delhi on Monday along with state BJP president Shibun Lyngdoh and influential BJP leader from Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma. Justine Dkhar represents Khlehriat Assembly constituency while Robinus Syngkon represents Mowkaiaw constituency. Both are set to join the BJP formally at a grand ceremony in Shillong, BJP sources said. However, reports from Shillong said the two sitting MLAs have said they can decide upon the "proposal" of joining BJP only when they decide to quit their Assembly seats. "As of now, both are sitting Independent legislators," a source said. The two MLAs also claimed that they met BJP chief Mr Shah on Monday in New Delhi and sought BJP central leadership's help on the National Green Tribunal banning of coal mining in the state. The move has affected many job seekers and several people involved in mining business in the state. Both the MLAs at present support the Mukul Sangma-led Congress ministry in the state. The BJP sources here said that as a broad strategy, the BJP is keen to wrest power from the Congress in the northeastern state -- and thus would be working with regional and smaller outfits in the state. "The National People's Party (NPP) founded by Late P A Sangma is a key NDA constituent and thus the BJP is open to work in alliance with it," a source said. According to sources, notwithstanding the brave face put up by BJP leaders, the controversy pertaining to beef ban has harmed BJP's prospects in the state where beef is considered a staple food. However, some BJP leaders in the state have made enough controversial remarks often sparking off row in the political circle. In May, during the height of beef ban controversy, local BJP leader Bernard Marak had only added to the complexity vis-a-vis saffron outfit's stance when he said, “In Meghalaya most BJP leaders eat beef. The question of banning beef does not arise in a state like Meghalaya". He had further said, "If BJP come to power in 2018, the BJP will not ban beef. Instead, it will regulate proper rates for meat and legalise slaughter houses". Gauging the mood and about its inherent limitation, the BJP leaders are now playing up “anti-Congress stance” and therefore say Meghalaya is certainly heading for a ‘non-Congress Chief Minister’. The idea may work to a level but will have a limitation as never in the past – regional parties in the state have been able to give stability. Compared to such a scenario, incumbent Chief Minister Mukul Sangma as a Congressman has proved his mantle and is in power as since 2010. Meanwhile, Meghalaya pradesh Congress general secretary Diverland Lyngdoh has quit Congress and joined the National People’s Party (NPP) giving the party a fresh lease of life in Mawkyrwat in West Khashi hills. UNI