Shillong: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma insists the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government remains stable. Seven United Democratic Party MLAs recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. The move brings the BJP strength to 10 assembly members. Sangma downplayed the political shift on Wednesday.
He stated the defections are strictly a matter between the two parties involved. The National People’s Party leader confirmed his coalition partners face no internal threats. The government remains secure. Sangma noted that both the UDP and BJP continue to operate within the MDA alliance.
“Ian UDP aro BJP dolgnini gisepo tik ka·grikgipa kamsa ong·aia aro party ge·sani MLA-rang, an·tangtangni skani gitasa gipin party-o napangaha,” Sangma said. He maintained that individual choices to switch parties do not alter the current power balance.
The Chief Minister rejected claims that this move requires a cabinet reshuffle. He confirmed the BJP has made no demands for additional cabinet slots. While the switch may trigger internal friction between the two parties, Sangma placed the responsibility for resolving such issues solely on their leadership. The NPP holds the largest share of assembly seats, keeping the administration firmly on track.
Updated at 25th September 2026 at 10:01am
The move has triggered sharp public dissent. Rev. Edwin H. Kharkongor slammed the shift as a betrayal of the voters who backed the candidates, questioning whether the move actually serves the interest of the constituencies. He also flagged concerns regarding the BJP record on religious minorities, noting that the defection shatters the trust between elected officials and their base.
Retired IAS officer Toki Blah framed the defections as a calculated grab for power ahead of the 2028 assembly elections. Blah claimed the BJP is struggling to gain ground through conventional electoral means and is instead poaching leadership from other parties to build their ranks. He warned that the BJP likely has its sights set on additional defectors to force a shift in the state power structure before the next cycle.
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