Meghalaya UDP legislators reportedly in talks to join BJP

Speculation is mounting in Meghalaya regarding a potential political shift as reports suggest nine of the 12 United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While UDP President Metbah Lyngdoh has denied any formal move, reports indicate that several MLAs traveled to Delhi to meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The discussions reportedly involve specific regional demands presented to the BJP central leadership. These include the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), changes to coal-mining rules, and increased infrastructure support under the PRASAD scheme. Sources suggest the BJP has given a verbal nod to most of these requests.

Local BJP leaders have expressed support for the potential merger, with Saralinda Kharlukhi, president of the BJP Mahila Mandal Pynthorumkhrah, stating that such a move would be a “big blessing” for the state. Kharlukhi criticized the current NPP-led government for issues including unemployment and pending contractor bills.