Shillong, Oct 19: Hours before they merged with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), the United Democratic Party (UDP) expelled its three MLAs – Paul Lyngdoh, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Nujorki Sungoh – from primary membership of the party.
UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh issued the order before the trio submitted their merger application to Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma.
“As evident from the local news today, it is clear that you all will be joining the National People’s Party, therefore, with powers vested in me as President of the United Democratic Party, I hereby expel the three of you from the primary membership of the Party, with effect from today the 19th October 2026,” the expulsion letter stated.
The expulsion is aimed at beating the anti-defection law loophole.
Under the Tenth Schedule, if members are expelled, they do not attract disqualification on ground of defection, but their merger claim can be legally challenged as they cease to be members of their original party before the formal merger.
