HT Correspondent
DONGKAMUKAM, July 14: In a significant political development ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a mass joining programme at Phonglangso playground in Tika, the native village of All Party Hills Leaders Conference (APHLC) chief and retired IAS officer Jones Engti Kathar.
The event, held just seven kilometres from Boithalangso under 111 No Rongkhang Legislative Assembly Constituency, was organised by the Rongkhang Mandal Committee of West Karbi Anglong.
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Over 300 individuals, led by APHLC Rongkhang LAC organising secretary Starlin Beypi, joined the BJP during the event.
The new entrants were welcomed by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang, who was present as the chief guest.
Observers noted that the event, held in what has long been considered a stronghold of the regional APHLC, indicates a visible shift in political allegiance.
Political analysts suggested that support for Jones Engti Kathar, particularly among educated Karbi youth, may be waning, a trend the BJP appears keen to capitalise on in the run-up to the polls.
Addressing the gathering, Tuliram Ronghang reiterated the need for balanced development in tandem with the peaceful continuation of the demand for the implementation of Article 244(A) of the Constitution.
He criticised Kathar for allegedly misleading the youth with what he described as “false inspiration,” asserting that only the ruling party could bring tangible development and employment opportunities to the region.
He further assured that the BJP-led KAAC would prioritise the revival and development of Tika, a historically significant village for the Karbi Christian community.
Promises included the construction of a tourist lodge, blacktopping of the church road, and other infrastructure enhancements to promote the area as a tourist destination.
Lok Sabha MP Amarsingh Tisso, who also addressed the programme, stated that the tribal communities of the country had long been neglected by successive governments.
He informed that the present BJP-led government had allocated ₹80,000 crore for tribal development across the country.
He also announced a ₹20 lakh grant for Tika Baptist Church—one of the oldest in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong—under the Assam Darshan scheme.
The event was attended by local BJP legislators, Executive Members, MACs, KAAC Board Chairmen, and West Karbi Anglong District Committee President Radip Ronghang.
