Meghalaya CM Addresses Speculations on Cabinet Changes Following UDP MLAs' Shift to BJP

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has addressed recent speculations regarding the induction of former UDP MLAs into the State Cabinet following their shift to the BJP. He clarified that there have been no discussions on this matter and sought to alleviate concerns about unrest within the ruling National People’s Party. The CM emphasized the stability of the government amidst heightened political activity in the state. This comes after eight UDP MLAs joined the BJP, raising questions about potential changes in the political landscape of Meghalaya. Sangma's statements aim to reassure the public of the government's stability and dismiss unfounded rumors.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 7, 2026, 11:16 IST

Clarification from the Chief Minister

A file image of Meghalaya cabinet meet (Photo:@SangmaConrad/X)

Shillong, October 7: On Tuesday, Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma refuted rumors regarding the potential inclusion of former United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs, who recently transitioned to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), into the State Cabinet. He emphasized that there have been no discussions on this topic.

“There has been no dialogue on this matter from the outset, and even after their transition to the BJP, no discussions have taken place,” Sangma stated in a press release.

This clarification follows the recent shift of eight UDP MLAs to the BJP in New Delhi on September 23, which sparked speculation about the political ramifications in Meghalaya.

Sangma also attempted to quell concerns regarding unrest within the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), including rumors that several NPP legislators might defect to the BJP.

He noted that the recent gathering of NPP legislators was a standard procedure aimed at addressing governance-related issues.

“There are no significant issues,” Sangma asserted, dismissing claims of internal instability within the State Government.

The Chief Minister characterized the speculation about the former UDP MLAs joining his Cabinet and the alleged plans of NPP MLAs to switch to the BJP as mere conjecture from certain factions.

The eight UDP MLAs who joined the BJP include State Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Kyrmen Shylla, Balajied Kupar Synrem, Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah, Pius Marwein, Mayralborn Syiem, Ollan Sing Suin, and Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah.

They made their transition at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, accompanied by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, BJP national spokesperson and Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, along with other senior party officials.

The legislators indicated that their decision to join the BJP was influenced by the Centre's favorable response to their demands.

This shift has led to speculation regarding a potential reconfiguration of Meghalaya's political landscape and whether some of these legislators might be integrated into the State Cabinet.

However, Sangma's recent remarks clarify that no such discussions have occurred within the government thus far.

His comments come at a time of increased political maneuvering in Meghalaya, with recent party shifts raising questions about the stability of the ruling coalition and the BJP's expanding influence in the region.

For the moment, Sangma has reiterated that the government is stable and that there are no pressing internal issues necessitating political action.