Shillong: The United Democratic Party (UDP), the second-largest party in the Meghalaya Assembly after the NPP, has been reduced to just four MLAs from 12 after eight of its legislators joined the BJP on Wednesday.
The eight MLAs formally joined the BJP at a programme held at the party’s office in New Delhi.
The four UDP legislators who remain are party president Metbah Lyngdoh, MLA from Mairang; Paul Lyngdoh, MLA from West Shillong; Renikton L Tongkhar, MLA from Mawkyrwat; and Nujorki Sungoh, MLA from Mookaiaw.
Those who left the UDP are Lahkmen Rymbui of Amlarem, Kyrmen Shylla of Khliehriat, Balajied Synrem of Shella, Synsharkupar L Thabah of Sohiong, Olan Singh Suin of Mawsynram, Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah of Mawphlang, Mayralbon Syiem of Nongpoh and Pius Marwein of Ranikor.
With the UDP reduced to four legislators, questions are now being raised over whether the remaining MLAs will stay with the party until the 2028 Assembly elections.
According to sources, there is speculation that some of the remaining UDP MLAs could eventually move to the ruling NPP or another political party before the next election.
However, there is no confirmation that any of the four remaining legislators has decided to leave the UDP. Metbah Lyngdoh is currently the party’s president and remains the only one whose continuation with the party is being discussed with greater certainty.
The developments have left the UDP facing a major organisational and political challenge, with the party now reduced to just four MLAs less than two years before the next Assembly election.
