Shillong: Nine of the 12 United Democratic Party legislators are holding secret talks with the BJP. These negotiations could trigger a major political shake-up in Meghalaya. The group is pressing for a series of state-specific demands before deciding on a formal jump to the saffron party. The list includes amending the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act and including the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. They also want changes to coal-mining rules, the relocation of the Dalit Sikh community, and minority status for Seng Khasi and Seng Raij groups. Further demands cover border trade facilitation and a bigger share for the state under the PRASAD scheme, specifically for church infrastructure and pilgrim amenities.
BJP central leadership reportedly gave a verbal nod to most items, though legislators remain unsure about the implementation timeline. A formal switch could happen this month. Nine MLAs would clear the two-thirds threshold required to bypass anti-defection laws. Still, the move may be a calculated bluff. The UDP could be using the BJP threat to force the ruling National People’s Party to grant them more cabinet seats or better portfolios. The party signaled its stance, stating, “If our concerns are not addressed, we have alternatives.”
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma sits in a strong position. His NPP holds 33 seats, keeping the MDA-II government safe regardless of a UDP exit. However, losing the UDP could hand the BJP a massive regional foothold ahead of the 2028 Assembly election. Senior BJP leader Alexander Laloo Hek admitted his party aims to lead the state government by 2028. For now, the three sides are playing a high-stakes game. The NPP wants to keep the UDP inside the tent to block BJP growth. The UDP wants to maximize its regional sway. The BJP wants to decide if absorbing these politicians provides more value than maintaining the current coalition.
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