2 hrs ago
Meghalaya UDP MLAs Join BJP; Government Says Alliance Remains Unaffected
Eight lawmakers in Meghalaya moved from the United Democratic Party to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
They joined the BJP at a ceremony in New Delhi.
The BJP now has 10 lawmakers in the 60-member Assembly instead of two.
Both the UDP and BJP are already part of the same governing alliance.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said this means the government’s overall support has not changed.
He said there would be no immediate Cabinet reshuffle or threat to his leadership.
The UDP suspended three of the lawmakers after they did not answer notices from the party.
The lawmakers said they switched because BJP leaders responded positively to several demands.
Eight United Democratic Party MLAs, including minister Lahkmen Rymbui, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in New Delhi.
The BJP’s strength in Meghalaya’s 60-member Assembly rose from two legislators to 10.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance’s overall strength remained unchanged because both parties are coalition partners.
The UDP suspended Ollan Singh Suin, Kyrmen Shylla and Matthew Kurbah after they did not respond to show-cause notices.
The defecting MLAs cited central support for issues including Khasi’s inclusion in the Constitution’s Eighth Schedule, the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act and coal mining.
- Who
- Eight United Democratic Party MLAs, including Lahkmen Rymbui, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party; Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh commented on the move.
- What
- The eight MLAs switched parties, increasing the BJP’s Assembly strength from two to 10; three were later suspended by the UDP.
- Where
- The MLAs joined the BJP in New Delhi, while the political impact concerns the Meghalaya Assembly and government.
- When
- The developments were reported on September 23; the next Meghalaya Assembly election is scheduled for 2028.
- Why
- Lahkmen Rymbui said the MLAs sought to contribute to society and address state issues after receiving a positive response from the BJP’s central leadership.
Government and BJP Alliance View
UDP and Defectors’ Positions
Effect on the government
Government and BJP Alliance View
Conrad K Sangma said the MDA’s strength remains unchanged because the party switch occurred within the ruling coalition, and he said the government retains a strong majority.
UDP and Defectors’ Positions
The BJP described the move as a major political development that could increase its influence over ministerial representation and policy priorities.
Reasons for switching
Government and BJP Alliance View
BJP leader Kiren Rijiju said the MLAs joined after considering progress in the Northeast and Meghalaya under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
UDP and Defectors’ Positions
Lahkmen Rymbui said the MLAs had been in talks for some time and moved because BJP central leaders responded positively to their demands and aspirations.
Party discipline
Government and BJP Alliance View
The UDP said three defecting MLAs did not respond to show-cause notices and suspended them as part of disciplinary action.
UDP and Defectors’ Positions
The eight MLAs proceeded with the move to the BJP; the articles do not provide a response from the three suspended legislators.
Key facts
- MLAs switching parties
- Eight UDP legislators joined the BJP.
- Assembly size
- Meghalaya’s Legislative Assembly has 60 seats.
- BJP strength
- The BJP increased its strength from two MLAs to 10.
- Coalition status
- The UDP and BJP are both constituents of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance.
- Suspended MLAs
- The UDP suspended Ollan Singh Suin, Kyrmen Shylla and Matthew Kurbah and issued them show-cause notices.
- Cabinet position
- Conrad K Sangma said the switch would not lead to a ministerial reshuffle.
- Issues cited by defectors
- The MLAs mentioned Khasi’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule, implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act and coal-mining rules.
- Next election
- The Meghalaya Assembly election is scheduled for 2028.
Quotes
Conrad K Sangma
Meghalaya chief minister and NPP president
“This is not happening all of a sudden. The talks have been going on for quite some time. As you see, so many of our MLAs have aspirations to contribute to society and a few issues in the state (for) which we need the government’s support”
theprint.in
“No, there is no threat as of now. Every political party wants to grow. In a democracy, every party has aspirations. We aspire to grow in every state. We have worked hard in Manipur and other states. This is how it normally works.”
theprint.in
Sources
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