NCP leader Atul Marak joins BJP in Meghalaya

Senior NCP leader and former minister Atul Marak and seven office bearers of the party with their supporters have joined the BJP in Shillong on Saturday in presence of party's organisational in-charge for Northeast V Satish and state unit president AL Hek.

Marak who had contested the 1999 parliamentary elections on a Congress ticket from Tura seat against Purno A Sangma, later joined the NCP.

"There is lack of leadership in NCP and the party is undergoing a political crisis. Moreover, we are impressed by the performance of BJP under the leadership of Atal Behari Vajpayee," Marak said explaining his reason for switch-over.

Welcoming Marak and others, Satish said it showed the "sign of popularity, acceptance of national leader and reflection of general mood."

First Published: Mar 22, 2004 18:00 IST