A major political shift has unfolded in Meghalaya as eight out of 12 legislators from the United Democratic Party joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. The mass switch leaves the UDP with just four sitting lawmakers in the state legislative assembly. The group of crossing-over legislators was led by Khliehriat constituency MLA Kyrmen Shylla. This realignment marks a significant change in the legislative balance of the northeastern state.
Meeting With Amit Shah and Central Leadership
Before completing the transition, the UDP lawmakers traveled to New Delhi to hold discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior leadership figures. Talks centered on governance priorities and future alignment in Meghalaya. Following the consultations, the eight legislators formalized their entry into the party on Wednesday, substantially expanding its legislative strength on the assembly floor.
Weeks of Momentum Following Senior Leader Exit
The groundwork for this legislative move had been building earlier in the month. On September 12, former legislator and prominent UDP leader Dr. Jemino Mawthoh joined the BJP, signaling growing internal movement within the regional outfit. With Khliehriat representative Kyrmen Shylla guiding two-thirds of the parliamentary party across the floor, the balance within the coalition dynamics in Shillong now faces an altered legislative lineup.
