Meghalaya Speaker Delays Ruling on UDP to BJP Merger

Shillong: Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma refuses to recognize eight United Democratic Party MLAs as BJP members for now. He needs more time. The Speaker confirmed on October 13 that he is currently waiting on legal opinions to determine their official status within the 60-member House. He maintains that he must act with caution to ensure his final ruling holds up under scrutiny.

These eight legislators jumped to the BJP in New Delhi on September 23. They notified the Assembly two days later. The Speaker rejected claims he is stalling the process, stating, "I will not say that they are BJP MLAs because the merger is still under consideration. I am examining it and waiting for the legal opinion."

The UDP has filed a formal petition to disqualify these members. Sangma found deficiencies in the paperwork and ordered the party to fix the gaps. They have until Wednesday to resubmit the documents. "There were some omissions, and the submission was not very clear. I have asked them to review it and submit it back to me," Sangma noted.

This political shift changes the math in the state government. The BJP strength jumped from two seats to 10. The UDP count fell from 12 to four. Both parties belong to the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, which is led by the National People's Party. Currently, the BJP holds one cabinet position in the state.