Shillong: Speculation is mounting over a potential mass defection of nine United Democratic Party MLAs to the Bharatiya Janata Party. The move could surge BJP legislative strength from two to 11 in the 60-member assembly. Such a shift would alter the balance within the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government.
Talks wrapped up Monday in Guwahati. BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra plans to discuss the proposal with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and national president Nitin Nabin. Assam Chief Minister and NEDA convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma continues to monitor the situation. Patra traveled to Manipur following late-night discussions with Sarma and UDP representatives.
Confusion remains widespread. BJP state in-charge Anil Antony has not provided a public explanation. BJP leader Tom Vadakkan admitted he had no clear picture of the situation. Some senior party figures seem entirely unaware of the negotiations. Meanwhile, UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh stated that all 12 of his party legislators remain united. He claimed their recent visit with Amit Shah in New Delhi focused exclusively on the Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill.
The BJP has not issued a formal denial. Senior party members A.L. Hek and Sanbor Shullai confirmed that any merger decision rests with the national command. Shullai kept the door ajar for future expansion. He said, "Our doors are open 24 hours for MLAs, MDCs, leaders of different political parties, volunteers, social organisation leaders and members of the public."
The current churn follows last year’s cabinet reshuffle where two UDP ministers were dropped. Reports also suggest some Trinamool Congress legislators remain in quiet contact with the BJP. Opposition leader Mukul Sangma denies any TMC defections. All sides are posturing ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. The BJP continues to seek an alternative route to regional influence beyond traditional alliance politics.
Updated at 2nd September 2026 at 1:48am
A.L. Hek has set a specific electoral target for the BJP, claiming the party aims to win 25 to 30 seats in the 2028 assembly elections. He stated that the party has already identified these potential seats across the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills and is conducting internal surveys to vet candidates. Hek dismissed any suggestions that the BJP intends to topple the current government, maintaining that the party's focus remains on organizational strengthening at the booth level.
Hek also noted that the party is open to a new face leading a future government if they are deemed suitable by the central command. He clarified that the party's leadership structure remains stable and that they are not exclusively tethered to current seniority when considering who would head a potential BJP-led administration.
Updated at 2nd September 2026 at 5:47am
A.L. Hek has set a target of 25 to 30 seats for the 2028 assembly polls. He claims the party has already identified viable constituencies across the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills and is running internal surveys to vet potential candidates. Hek downplayed any threat to the current coalition, stating there is no plan to topple the MDA government.
Hek also opened the door for a new face to lead a future government. He clarified that the party is not bound to seniority and will defer to the central command to pick a leader capable of uniting the ranks. He emphasized that the primary focus remains on strengthening the organization at the booth level.
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