A meeting between Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party president Conrad K. Sangma and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set social media abuzz with speculation over a possible political realignment in the State, particularly reports that nine United Democratic Party legislators could cross over to the BJP. The meeting assumes significance amid growing uncertainty within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance-II, with the BJP, which currently has only two legislators in the Assembly, potentially emerging as a double-digit force with 11 MLAs if the reported move materialises. Sangma did not disclose details of his meeting with Shah on social media, adding to the political intrigue surrounding the developments.
The political churn, meanwhile, appears to have widened beyond the UDP, with sources indicating that a few NPP legislators have also expressed a desire to meet BJP leaders. Some NPP leaders are reportedly unhappy with the party’s top brass, adding another layer of uncertainty to the evolving political scenario. Although the number of NPP legislators involved is understood to be small, the development is being closely watched as any further movement could have implications for the stability and internal dynamics of the MDA-II. Meghalaya’s political landscape has often witnessed sudden shifts, making the latest developments particularly significant. However, BJP do not intend to topple the present government.
Talking about UDP MLAs, last month, Shah had met UDP legislators in the national capital in the presence of BJP Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, triggering speculation of a possible realignment within the ruling MDA-II, where the UDP is a key constituent with 12 MLAs. Sources said the political situation in Meghalaya, particularly reports of the possible movement of nine UDP legislators to the BJP, figured prominently in the latest discussions. UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh has denied any move towards defection or merger. However, the speculation has persisted, fuelled by reports of internal discontent within the regional party. Senior UDP leader and West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh had earlier confirmed frustration within sections of the party, attributing it to a lack of visible growth and direction.
If the reported shift materialises, the BJP’s strength in the Meghalaya Assembly would rise from two to 11, taking the party into double digits for the first time in the State’s political history. Such a realignment would significantly alter the balance within the MDA-II and could have wider implications for the State’s political equations ahead of the 2028 Assembly election. For the BJP, the reported move would represent a major expansion of its legislative footprint in Meghalaya and potentially strengthen its bargaining position within the State’s ruling political architecture.
Meanwhile, sources said the BJP central leadership has reportedly agreed to several demands raised by the UDP legislators, including amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, inclusion of Khasi in the Eighth Schedule and changes to coal-mining rules. However, the legislators are seeking greater clarity on these commitments before taking any final step.
