Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Meghalaya BJP Leaves Door Open Amid Reported UDP MLA Switch
Reports say nine lawmakers from Meghalaya’s United Democratic Party may want to join the BJP.
BJP leader and minister Sanbor Shullai did not confirm that this will happen.
He also did not deny the reports.
Shullai said the BJP is talking with people from several political parties.
He said anyone who wants to join the BJP is welcome.
He believes more people in Meghalaya are accepting the BJP.
He linked this support to development programs and help for poor people and unemployed young people.
The situation may become clearer over time.
If the lawmakers change parties, it could change the state’s political balance.
Meghalaya BJP leader Sanbor Shullai neither confirmed nor denied reports that nine UDP MLAs may join the BJP.
Shullai said the BJP has been speaking with leaders from several political parties.
He said the party’s doors are open to MLAs, MDCs, political leaders, volunteers and members of the public.
Shullai attributed the BJP’s reported growth in Meghalaya to development and welfare measures.
A switch by the nine UDP MLAs could affect Meghalaya’s political equations before the next Assembly elections.
- Who
- Meghalaya BJP leader and state Minister Sanbor Shullai, the BJP, and reportedly nine United Democratic Party MLAs.
- What
- The BJP has left open the possibility of nine UDP MLAs joining, while confirming discussions with leaders from several parties.
- When
- The reports and Shullai’s comments came ahead of Meghalaya’s next Assembly elections.
- Where
- Meghalaya, including areas such as Mawlai and Shullai’s Laban constituency.
- Why
- Shullai said the BJP is seeking support and attributed its growing acceptance to development, welfare, and assistance for poor and unemployed people.
Reports of a Possible UDP Switch
BJP’s Confirmed Position
Whether the move is happening
Reports of a Possible UDP Switch
Reports indicate that nine UDP MLAs may be considering joining the BJP.
BJP’s Confirmed Position
Sanbor Shullai has not confirmed that the MLAs will switch, saying the political picture will become clear with time.
Political discussions
Reports of a Possible UDP Switch
The reported move suggests a possible realignment involving UDP legislators.
BJP’s Confirmed Position
The BJP confirms it is speaking with leaders from various parties but has not identified them or announced a formal decision.
BJP’s appeal
Reports of a Possible UDP Switch
The reported interest would indicate that some regional-party legislators may be receptive to the BJP.
BJP’s Confirmed Position
Shullai says the BJP’s support is expanding because of its focus on development, welfare, poorer people and unemployed youth.
- Reported move
- Nine United Democratic Party MLAs are reportedly considering joining the BJP.
- BJP response
- Sanbor Shullai neither confirmed nor denied the reports.
- Political outreach
- Shullai said the BJP is discussing politics with leaders from several parties.
- Open-door policy
- He said the BJP welcomes MLAs, MDCs, political leaders, volunteers, social-organisation leaders and members of the public.
- Reported support areas
- Shullai cited growing BJP presence in Mawlai and his Laban constituency.
- BJP explanation
- Shullai linked the party’s increasing acceptance to development and welfare measures for poorer people and unemployed youth.
- Potential impact
- A switch could affect Meghalaya’s political equations before the next Assembly elections.