Meghalaya Speaker reviews UDP MLAs' merger claim with BJP

Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma has stated that the status of eight former United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators as members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not yet recognized. The legislators submitted a merger letter on September 25, but the Speaker’s office is currently examining the documents and awaiting legal opinions to determine if the move constitutes a merger or a split.

Simultaneously, the UDP has filed a disqualification petition against the eight MLAs. Speaker Sangma noted that the petition contained omissions and deficiencies, providing the party and its remaining four MLAs until Wednesday to rectify these issues. The Speaker emphasized that addressing the disqualification petition is his immediate priority and will be handled according to constitutional provisions and rules. He is also reviewing legal precedents to ensure a thorough decision.