SHILLONG: Three of the four remaining United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs have reportedly sought an appointment with Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma at 4 pm today, with NPP leaders also likely to be present during the meeting. The three legislators are reportedly preparing to join the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on October 23.
According to sources, Paul Lyngdoh, Nujorki Sungoh and Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar are expected to formally join the NPP on the afternoon of October 23, although the date and programme are yet to be officially confirmed.
The anticipated political realignment comes days after the Speaker recognised the merger of eight of the UDP’s 12 MLAs with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The eight legislators are Lahkmen Rymbui, Ollan Singh Suin, Pius Marwein, Kyrmen Shylla, Mathew Beyondstar Kurbah, Mayralborn Syiem, Balajied Kupar Synrem and Synshar Kupar Roy.
If the three remaining legislators join the NPP, the UDP would be left with only its president, Metbah Lyngdoh, as its sole MLA in the Meghalaya Assembly. The proposed shift would increase the NPP’s strength from 33 to 36 MLAs in the 60-member House, further consolidating its position in the ruling coalition.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who is also the NPP’s national president, is currently in New Delhi. If the anticipated defections materialise, the UDP would face a near-total loss of its legislative representation, marking another significant realignment in Meghalaya’s regional political landscape.
NPP Switch Likely on Oct 23, Three UDP MLAs Seek Speaker’s Appointment
