Shillong: A 2025 Cabinet reshuffle has shattered the United Democratic Party. The party ousted working president Paul Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla from government roles last September. They replaced them with party president Metbah Lyngdoh and Lahkmen Rymbui. The NPP took control of the tourism portfolio, stripping Paul Lyngdoh of his primary public platform.
The move backfired. Paul Lyngdoh skipped the swearing-in and publicly challenged his own party leadership. He questioned the performance of UDP ministers and the direction of the organization. General secretary Titosstarwell Chyne considered disciplinary action against him. Paul Lyngdoh called the timing a question of political ethics, noting the party president recently insisted no reshuffle was coming.
This infighting has ignited a larger mutiny. Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla and Mawsynram MLA Ollan Singh Suin claim eight, and potentially nine, of the party's 12 MLAs are talking to the BJP. They met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss shifting alliances. They demand progress on coal mining, the Eighth Schedule for the Khasi language, the Them Iew Mawlong relocation, and the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act. Metbah Lyngdoh denies the rift, claiming he maintains direct contact with all 12 legislators.
The threat is real. Under anti-defection laws, eight members could defect without losing their seats. This would balloon the BJP from two seats to ten in the 60-member House. It would effectively strip the UDP of its position as the second-largest coalition partner. The party remains locked in a battle between a president holding onto power and a working president now leading the internal revolt.
Comments