Amidst mounting political speculation in Meghalaya, the alleged move by as many as nine United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators to cross the political aisle and join the BJP has been accompanied by another development, with a few National People’s Party (NPP) MLAs expressing a desire to meet BJP leaders.
Sources said the BJP central leadership has reportedly agreed to some of the demands raised by the UDP MLAs, including amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), inclusion of Khasi in the Eighth Schedule and changes to coal-mining rules, but the legislators are seeking greater clarity before taking the final step.
Earlier, senior UDP leader Paul Lyngdoh, the MLA from West Shillong, confirmed internal discontent in the party, attributing the frustration to a lack of visible growth and direction. He said he had sought a progress report on the performance of the UDP’s two ministers following the Cabinet reshuffle in September last year.
