Shillong: Political loyalties in Meghalaya are shifting. Reports suggest nine of the 12 United Democratic Party legislators are eyeing a move to the Bharatiya Janata Party. The potential switch gained traction Saturday as UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh flew to New Delhi. He denied knowing about any such plans, stating, "I was unaware of any move by UDP legislators to join the BJP."
A senior party member confirmed that legislators plan to meet with top BJP brass on Sunday. The talks likely include Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president Nitin Nabin. If nine MLAs jump ship, they clear the two-thirds threshold required under anti-defection laws for a merger.
The UDP acts as the largest regional partner in the 51-member Meghalaya Democratic Alliance. While the NPP leads the 60-seat house with 33 MLAs, a massive UDP defection would strip the regional party of its influence. It also threatens to reset the balance of power between the NPP and BJP before the 2028 Assembly elections. Meanwhile, rumors persist that leaders from the Meghalaya Trinamool Congress are also making contact with the BJP. No formal agreements have emerged from any party yet.
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