Shillong: Meghalaya BJP leaders refuse to rule out a potential jump by nine UDP MLAs. Speculation surged after these legislators met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. While the MLAs claim the meeting centered on the Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, state party officials remain skeptical. Chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang insists there is smoke without fire.
Kharkrang stopped short of confirming active negotiations regarding the switch. He noted the state unit lacks official communication from central leaders about any pending inductions. The decision rests solely in Delhi. He added, "If it is correct, then I think it is an early stage of negotiation."
The move could shift the power balance within the Conrad Sangma led MDA coalition. The state BJP maintains the alliance with the NPP remains intact for now. They see the potential influx as a way to gain bargaining power for state development. Former minister Alexander Laloo Hek previously hinted that sitting MLAs had reached out, though he provided no names. The party expects to grow its networks ahead of the 2028 Assembly election.
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