Shillong, September 23 (Daily Kiran) : A major political shift has occurred in Meghalaya, where eight out of twelve legislators from the United Democratic Party (UDP) have officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This transition boosts the BJP’s strength in the state assembly to ten MLAs, making it the second-largest party after the National People’s Party (NPP).
The announcement was made during a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, attended by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, BJP MP Sambit Patra, and Meghalaya BJP President Anil Antony. The eight MLAs formally embraced their new party affiliation at this event.
The legislators who switched allegiance include Lakhmen Rimbui, Pius Marwven, Khyriem Shylla from Khleiatiat, Mayralborn Syiem, Matthew Kurbah, Olan Singh Suin, Balajid Kupar Sinrem, and Sinshar Lingdoh Thabah. Prior to their party switch, they had met with BJP leadership and even had discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
This move follows the earlier joining of former MLA and senior UDP leader Dr. Jemino Mawthoh to the BJP on September 12, which had already raised speculation about a potential split within the UDP.
During the press conference, Kiren Rijiju highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “The popular legislators of Meghalaya are joining the BJP family today. This is not just a crucial political event for the Northeast but for the entire country. I wholeheartedly welcome all eight elected representatives.”
Rijiju noted that these MLAs were previously associated with a major regional party, the UDP, but have been influenced by the progress made in the Northeast and Meghalaya under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past twelve years. He emphasized that the BJP’s transformative approach to development in the region and Modi’s deep connection with the people played a pivotal role in their decision to join the party.
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