Shillong, Sept 24: The BJP, which had a shot in the arm by eight UDP MLAs joining the saffron party, is likely to press for at least two more berths in the state cabinet, sources said.
The political development is expected to reshape the power-sharing arrangement within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA)-II.
The BJP currently has one Cabinet minister, Sanbor Shullai, who holds the portfolios of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Arts and Culture, Legal Metrology, and Printing and Stationery.
According to sources, UDP leader Lahkmen Rymbui is expected to continue as a minister in-charge of Education, Information & Public Relations, Law, and Revenue & Disaster Management portfolios.
Another name being discussed is former UDP minister Kyrmen Shylla.
Sources indicate that Shylla could be brought into the Cabinet, potentially replacing UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh.
Lyngdoh currently holds the Power, Textiles, Water Resources and Taxation portfolios.
However, sources said the Cabinet arithmetic is still being worked out, with the BJP potentially seeking as many as four berths.
The reshuffle of political loyalties does not, however, put the NPP-led government at risk. The NPP already has enough numbers to command a majority of 32 in the 60-member House and the eight MLAs moving from the UDP to the BJP remain within the ruling alliance.
For the UDP, Wednesday’s development leaves the party with just four MLAs including Metbah Lyngdoh, Paul Lyngdoh, Nujorki Sungoh and Renikton Tongkhar.
There is already speculation within political circles that the party could face further erosion, with some of the remaining UDP legislators being linked to the ruling NPP side.
