Shillong: Eight UDP legislators are standing by for a signal from the BJP central leadership. They want to switch sides. This move could fundamentally reset the power balance in the Meghalaya ruling coalition. Led by Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, the group is holding out for firm assurances from New Delhi before making their play this month.
Tensions between the UDP and the NPP boiled over recently. The group claims NPP leaders are hijacking development schemes and contracts in UDP-held constituencies without consulting local representatives. These disputes, highlighted by the fallout in Sohiong, led to repeated complaints to UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh. Some members even pushed to quit the government entirely. The group now sees an alliance with the BJP as their best path to political leverage.
The eight legislators recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to table a list of demands. They want Khasi included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, and revisions to coal-mining rules. They also seek the relocation of the Dalit Sikh community from Them Iewmawlong, minority status for Seng Khasi and Seng Raij, better border trade, and infrastructure support for churches. Rymbui described a potential shift as a “probability” rather than idle rumour.
The math is precise. To bypass the anti-defection law, eight of the 12 UDP members must jump together. This would boost the BJP into double digits and secure them the status of second-largest partner in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance. West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh is not currently in the fold. While Metbah Lyngdoh publicly claims the party is unified, the looming exit of former UDP leader Jemino Mawthoh to the BJP on September 12 signals deeper instability.
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