Meghalaya politics shifts as eight UDP MLAs join BJP

Political tensions are rising in Meghalaya following the movement of eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This shift has increased the BJP’s presence in the 60-member Assembly from two to ten MLAs.

UDP working president Paul Lyngdoh has criticized UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh, questioning why the party is seeking action against defecting legislators when a similar precedent was set in 2021 regarding Congress MLAs joining the Trinamool Congress. Meanwhile, UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne maintains that the UDP has not merged with the BJP, asserting the party will retain its identity and symbols.

BJP leader and MLA AL Hek has ruled out seeking a cabinet berth or the Deputy Chief Minister position, stating his priority is strengthening the party for the 2028 elections. He suggested that newly inducted legislators should be given ministerial opportunities. State Congress leader Manuel Badwar has dismissed the BJP as a “fringe player,” characterizing the recent movement of MLAs as an “inorganic” merger that may not be sustainable long-term.