8 Meghalaya UDP MLAs join BJP in New Delhi; CM Conrad says there is no threat to his leadership

Eight MLAs of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Meghalaya formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi on Wednesday in the presence of senior party leaders.

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).

With the development, the BJP has increased its strength in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly from two to 10 MLAs, making it the second-largest party after the ruling National People’s Party (NPP). The UDP’s strength in the Meghalaya Assembly has decreased from 12 to four.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the joining of eight UDP MLAs with the BJP would not affect a possible Cabinet reshuffle and would not affect the functioning of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, as the BJP remains part of the coalition.

When asked whether the BJP’s growing strength posed a threat to his leadership, Conrad said there was no threat as of now.

Meghalaya BJP MLA A. L. Hek welcomed the eight UDP legislators, describing their joining as a major boost for the BJP in Meghalaya, while claiming that the BJP could form the government in Meghalaya after the 2028 Assembly elections.

Hek claimed that legislators from other political parties also wanted to join the BJP but were currently unable to do so because of the anti-defection law and the requirement to meet the necessary numerical threshold.