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BJP strength in Meghalaya Assembly rises to 10 as eight UDP MLAs join party
In a significant political shift in Meghalaya, eight legislators from the United Democratic Party (UDP) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi. The induction, attended by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, increases the BJP's presence in the 60-member state Assembly from two to ten, making it the second-largest party after the National People's Party (NPP).
The defecting MLAs, including Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, cited the central government's positive response to regional demands as a primary motivation. Key demands include the inclusion of the Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, the simplification of coal-mining regulations, and the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA).
Following the move, the UDP suspended three of the legislators for anti-party activities. However, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stated that the defection would not destabilize the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, as both the BJP and UDP remain members of the coalition.
Entities
Bharatiya Janata Party · Conrad K. Sangma · Kiren Rijiju · Meghalaya · Meghalaya Assembly · Meghalaya Legislative Assembly · Sambit Patra · United Democratic Party
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The MLAs requested the simplification of coal mining regulations and the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act. assamtribune.com · www.newindianexpress.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] Eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi. www.agniban.com · www.hindimilap.com · madhyamamonline.com · navabharat.com · assamtribune.com · +2 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The UDP's strength in the Meghalaya Assembly decreased from twelve to four. madhyamamonline.com · navabharat.com · assamtribune.com · www.newindianexpress.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] The BJP's membership in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly increased from two to ten. www.agniban.com · www.hindimilap.com · madhyamamonline.com · navabharat.com · assamtribune.com · +1 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The defecting MLAs demanded the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. navabharat.com · assamtribune.com · www.newindianexpress.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The UDP suspended three of its MLAs following their decision to join another party. www.latestly.com · newsable.asianetnews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The BJP has become the second-largest party in the Meghalaya Assembly, following the National People's Party. madhyamamonline.com · navabharat.com · assamtribune.com · www.newindianexpress.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated that the coalition government's stability remains unchanged because the BJP is also a member of the alliance. southasiaviews.com · eastmojo.com · www.latestly.com · newsable.asianetnews.com