UDP-BJP merger does not alter MDA strength, says Dhar

Amid speculation following the recent move of eight UDP legislators to the BJP, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said the merger has not altered the numerical strength of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), while asserting that all 33 NPP MLAs remain united and the coalition government continues to function with unity and stability. His remarks came amid media reports of possible political developments concerning the NPP, particularly as the party’s top leadership visited New Delhi around the same time as the UDP legislators switched to the BJP.
“Joining of UDP MLAs to UDP is the issue of the two political parties, BJP and the UDP, but there is no problem within the MDA . MDA remains the same strength, they are joining from UDP to BJP, meaning ruling to ruling. Every political party wants to strengthen themselves, there is no harm in that. NPP MLAs are united, plus with the coalition partners we are united,” Dhar said.
Dhar also dismissed reports suggesting that NPP legislators were planning to join the BJP and said the party remained firmly committed to the people of Meghalaya.
“I would like to put it on record that the NPP remains united and firmly committed to the people of Meghalaya. The reports suggesting that NPP legislators are planning to join the BJP are baseless. Our 33 NPP MLAs remain together, and the MDA Government continues to function with unity and stability,” he said.
Clarifying the NPP leadership’s recent visit to Delhi, Dhar said he had travelled to the national capital along with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong for official work and to pursue matters concerning the State’s development.
“Our recent visit to Delhi, along with Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, was undertaken for official work and to follow up on matters concerning Meghalaya’s development,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s focus on governance, development and public welfare, Dhar said the NPP leadership would continue to work together under Sangma’s leadership.
“As leaders, our focus remains on governance, development and the welfare of our people. We will continue working together under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma with commitment and sincerity,” he added.