9 MLAs of UDP, some from TMC reportedly in talks with BJP
Shillong, Aug 29: In what can trigger a massive upheaval in Meghalaya’s politics in the coming days, at least nine of the 12 MLAs of ruling ally UDP are reportedly all set to switch sides to its junior partner BJP in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA).
Sources confirmed the significant political development after a second round of talks between the alleged UDP defectors and the BJP on Saturday.
All the rebel UDP legislators are expected to be moving to the national capital by Sunday, ostensibly for next round of discussion or formally joining the BJP.
The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) currently holds a strong position with 33 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly while its alliance partners UDP and BJP have 12 and two MLAs respectively.
In order not to attract the Anti-Defection law and thus keep intact their assembly seat, at least two-third of the 12 UDP MLAs have to take the call together to shift sides.
On condition of anonymity, a senior UDP leader confirmed the ongoing developments, citing growing dissatisfaction among the MLAs with party president Metbah Lyngdoh.
When approached, Lyngdoh stated he was unaware of any such moves. Adding to the political intrigue, sources suggest that several Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs are also in discreet negotiations with the BJP leadership.
All the leaders from the UDP, TMC, and BJP have remained tight-lipped about the alleged switchover move.
However, if these defections materialise, it would trigger a seismic shift in Meghalaya’s political landscape and significantly alter the arithmetic ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
The development perfectly aligns with recent signals from the state BJP that they intend to abandon pre-poll alliances and fight the 2028 elections on their own strength.
