SHILLONG: Two Independent MLAs of the state joined BJP after withdrawing support for the ruling Congress in New Delhi on Monday. The state goes to the polls early next year.Justine Dkhar, who represents Khliehriat, and Robinus Syngkon, legislator for Mookaiaw, joined the saffron party in the presence of BJP national chief Amit Shah. Assam finance minister and convener of the North East Democratic Alliance Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP national spokesperson Nalin Kohli , president of the state unit of BJP Shibun Lyngdoh and other party leaders - especially from the Jaintia Hills, to which both constituencies belong - were also present."The entry of the two leaders will definitely give a huge boost to the party in the 2018 election not only in Jaintia Hills but also the entire state," vice-president of the state unit of BJP, John Anthony Lyngdoh, said in a statement issued soon after the meeting.Referring to the assembly elections in Assam and Manipur, through which BJP forged an entry into the region, Lyngdoh said people have already favoured BJP and it will be evident in Meghalaya as well. "The public has already made up its mind. BJP is the only option for the upcoming election and this will happen because of our Prime Minister's motto of 'sabka saath, sabka vikaas'," he added.There has been no immediate reaction from Congress about two of its supporters deserting the ruling dispensation. Meanwhile, BJP sources indicated that more sitting MLAs, especially those belonging to Congress, may switch sides as the assembly elections draw closer.

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