Eight United Democratic Party legislators join Bharatiya Janata Party in New Delhi

Guwahati: In a major political realignment in Meghalaya as many as eight United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The eight legislators are Lahkmen Rymbui (Amlarem), former minister Kyrmen Shylla (Khliehriat), Olan Singh Suin (Mawsynram), Mathew Beyondstar Kurbah (Mawphlang), Mayralborn Syiem (Nongpoh), Pius Marwein (Ranikor), Synshar Thabah (Sohiong) and Balajied Synrem (Shella).

The legislators joined the BJP in the presence of senior party leaders, with BJP national spokesperson and senior leader Sambit Patra addressing a press conference in New Delhi on the development.


Meghalaya is going to assembly polls in the 2028 Assembly elections.BJP has two MLAs and is a partner in coalition government. With these 10 MLAs, the BJP will become the second-largest party in the Meghalaya Assembly after the NPP. The MLAs had placed specific demands before the BJP leadership.

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The MLAs demand will include inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule, legally resuming coal mining, and securing approval for amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA)2016.

They joined the BJP in the presence of Union minister Kiren Rijiju, MP Sambit Patra, who is also the party’s coordinator for northeastern states, and other leaders.

Rymbui said the four key issues discussed with BJP leaders included the demand for the inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, an amendment to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, easing procedures related to coal mining in the state and relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong.

He said the issues were linked to the aspirations of the MLAs and matters requiring support from the Centre. “Some of the younger MLAs want to contribute to society and do something on issues affecting Meghalaya,” Rymbui said.

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“BJP leaders have given encouraging responses to all these issues and other matters, and they will take action in the coming days. That is why we have come here to join the party,” he said.

Rijiju said they have joined the BJP looking at the progress of the northeast and Meghalaya under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “It is an extremely important political development, not only for the northeast but the entire country.”

Rymbui thanked PM Modi and said the country had witnessed major changes under his leadership

UDP had 12 MLAS in the 60-member Assembly.