Eight UDP MLAs Switch to BJP, Strengthening Party's Position in Meghalaya Assembly
Significant Political Shift in Meghalaya
The induction took place at the BJP headquarters. (Photo: 'X'/@KirenRijiju)
Shillong, Sept 23: In a notable political development, eight MLAs from the United Democratic Party (UDP) have officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi. This decision comes after the Centre's favorable response to their requests.
The MLAs who made the switch include State Cabinet Minister for Education Lahkmen Rymbui, along with Kyrmen Shylla, Balajied Kupar Synrem, Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah, Pius Marwein, Mayralborn Syiem, Ollan Sing Suin, and Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah.
Rymbui clarified that this move was not impulsive, stating that discussions regarding their transition to the BJP and their demands had been ongoing for a considerable period.
“We have been in talks about these demands for quite some time, and the Central government has shown a positive inclination. We are optimistic that these will be addressed in due course,” Rymbui remarked following the induction.
The induction ceremony was held at the BJP headquarters, attended by Union Cabinet Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, BJP national spokesperson and Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, along with other party officials.
Rymbui commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the transformative changes witnessed under his leadership, while also acknowledging that certain issues persist at the state level.
Key demands presented to the Centre include the addition of the Khasi and Garo languages to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, the execution of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, easing coal-mining regulations, relocating the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong, and addressing concerns regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
With this transition, the UDP now holds only four seats in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly. Meanwhile, the BJP's representation has surged from two to ten MLAs, positioning it as the second-largest party in the Assembly, following the National People’s Party (NPP), which boasts 33 legislators.