Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Thomas A. Sangma on Tuesday said he was examining the merger letter submitted by eight former United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and was awaiting legal opinions from different sources before taking a decision. His remarks came after the eight former UDP legislators, accompanied by BJP MLA and Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai, met him to press for acknowledgement of the merger letter submitted to his office on September 25.
“I am still examining it, waiting for legal opinion from different sources. It will be coming very soon,” Sangma said.
The Speaker said he had also received a petition from UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh and granted the party 10 days to rectify its submission, which he found defective.
“Letter of petition from Metbah Lyngdoh. I have given them 10 days time. petition was defective so I have given 10 days time to UDP. Their submission,” he said.
Clarifying the status of the merger, Sangma said the Assembly had not recognised it and that he was examining the matter within his jurisdiction while seeking legal advice. He also noted that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had its own prerogatives in the matter.
“Speaker has not recognise the merger, it is prerogative of ECI. however, I am examining. Even my earlier decision is under the scrutiny. Speakers office cannot decide like this. I am taking my time, I will give decision , ai am not delaying it. I am seeking legal opinion,” Sangma said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the eight former UDP MLAs, who joined the BJP, met the Speaker along with Shullai to draw his attention to the merger letter and seek acknowledgement of their decision to join the BJP. The legislators had submitted the letter to the Speaker’s office on September 25, two days after the merger, in his absence. The office has yet to acknowledge the submission.
The eight legislators’ move has altered the numerical strength of the UDP and the BJP in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, with the Speaker’s decision on the merger letter remaining a key procedural development in the political realignment. Sangma said he would take a decision after examining the matter and obtaining the necessary legal opinions.
