Shillong: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won two Assembly seats in the 2023 Meghalaya elections and has been part of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government since 2018, has witnessed a sharp rise in its political strength in the state.
From two MLAs, the BJP now has 10 legislators following the induction of eight UDP MLAs on Wednesday. The party also has two members in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and two ministers in the state Cabinet.
The BJP’s sudden rise follows the joining of eight UDP MLAs at a programme in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Those who joined the BJP are Lahkmen Rymbui, MLA from Amlarem; Kyrmen Shylla, MLA from Khliehriat; Balajied Kupar Synrem, MLA from Shella; Synshar Kupar L Thabah, MLA and MDC from Sohiong; Olan Sing Suin, MLA from Mawsynram; Mathew Beyondstar Kurbah, MLA from Mawphlang; Mayralborn Syiem, MLA from Nongpoh; and Pius Marwein, MLA and MDC from Ranikor/Langrin.
The legislators have said their decision to join the BJP was linked to several demands they want the Centre to address. These include recognition of the Khasi and Garo languages under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, either implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) or strengthening of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to protect the state from influx, lifting restrictions on coal mining, and relocation of harijan colony from Them Metor, among other issues.
On the Cabinet front, the BJP currently has two ministers – Sanbor Shullai and Lahkmen Rymbui.
Sources indicate that the BJP is also seeking a greater share of Cabinet berths following its increase from two to 10 MLAs. One possibility being discussed is the removal of UDP president and Mairang MLA Metbah Lyngdoh from the Cabinet, with his berth potentially going to another BJP MLA.
The BJP’s expanded strength could therefore lead to changes in the composition of the NPP-led government in the coming days, particularly in the distribution of ministerial berths.
