Former Congress Minister A. L. Hek and ex-State president of NCP Sanbor Shullai, who crossed over recently, were among among 45 candidates named by the BJP on Friday for the Meghalaya Assembly polls.
Soon after the release of the first list, State BJP president Shibun Lyngdoh’s sister Violet Lyngdoh walked out of the party along with her supporters and joined the National People’s Party (NPP), saying she was denied a ticket which was assured to her.
The BJP, which is hoping to expand its footprint in the Northeast, is contesting all the 60 Assembly seats in the February 27 elections. The NPP, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Manipur, is contesting the polls separately.
Ms. Violet, who is also an elected member of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council from Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills, joined the NPP along with the district president of the BJP, Balios Swer, and leaders from 42 booth committees in the district.
She is likely to be given ticket from Khliehriat.
“I have joined the NPP after I was denied the BJP ticket which was assured to me,” she told reporters.
The State BJP president was not available for comments.
