Eight UDP MLAs join BJP, boosting election preparations

With eight United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators joining the BJP in Meghalaya recently, the party is stepping up preparations for the assembly polls in 2028. The BJP now has 10 MLAs in the 60-member assembly.

These MLAs joined on September 23 in New Delhi. They are: Lahkmen Rymbui, former minister Kyrmen Shylla, Olan Singh Suin, Mathew Beyondstar Kurbah, Mayralborn Syiem (Nongpoh), Pius Marwein (Ranikor), Synshar Thabah (Sohiong) and Balajied Synrem (Shella).

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With this, the BJP has become the second-largest party in the state after the National People's Party (NPP), which has 33 MLAs. The UDP is now left with three MLAs. Both the BJP and UDP are part of the ruling coalition.

Meghalaya is a Christian-dominated state. Soon after the MLAs joined, Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma said the decision of the eight UDP MLAs was an internal matter between the two parties and would not affect the functioning or stability of the NPP-led coalition. Sangma said the legislators would remain part of the coalition, keeping its strength unchanged.

The NPP also ruled out political realignment in the state and refuted the speculation that several of its MLAs were camping in New Delhi.