Meghalaya CM Dismisses Talk of UDP MLAs Defecting to BJP

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has brushed aside speculation that legislators from the United Democratic Party (UDP) could defect to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that the ruling coalition remains stable.

Sangma, who also heads the National People's Party (NPP), said he had no information beyond media reports about any such political realignment. He indicated that the government would only respond if a concrete development occurred, rather than reacting to unverified claims.

The remarks follow reports suggesting that as many as nine UDP MLAs might be considering joining the BJP, a move that could alter the political arithmetic in the state. The UDP, which has 12 MLAs, has dismissed these reports as baseless.

Political observers have noted a recent meeting between UDP legislators and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The UDP has clarified that the discussions were focused on issues such as the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and other matters concerning Meghalaya, not on any political realignment.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong also downplayed the speculation, pointing out that the NPP's strength of 33 MLAs in the 60-member assembly is sufficient to form a government on its own. He added that the party would not interfere in the internal affairs of its coalition partners.

The NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-II) government includes the UDP and the BJP, which have 12 and two MLAs respectively. Four other legislators also support the government, bringing the coalition's total to 51.