📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
Politics
BJP asks for extra cabinet portfolio in Meghalaya as MLA count reaches 10
✍️ Northeast Today
🗓 05 Nov 2026, 01:38 PM
👁 17
The Bharatiya Janata Party, now holding ten seats in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, has formally requested an additional cabinet portfolio in the state government.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a formal request with the Meghalaya chief minister for an extra cabinet berth after its legislative strength rose to ten members following recent by‑elections and defections. The party, which is part of the ruling coalition led by the National People's Party (NPP), argues that its increased representation warrants a proportional share of ministerial responsibilities.
State officials said the request will be examined in the next cabinet reshuffle meeting, where the distribution of portfolios among coalition partners is typically reviewed. The BJP’s demand reflects its broader strategy to expand influence in the Northeast, a region where it has been seeking to consolidate power ahead of the upcoming state elections.
Political analysts note that granting the additional berth could strengthen the coalition’s stability, but it may also trigger negotiations over key departments. The NPP, which currently heads the government, has not yet disclosed its stance on the BJP’s proposal.
The move comes as the BJP aims to showcase its growing foothold in Meghalaya, a state where it previously held a marginal presence. Observers will watch how the request shapes the dynamics of the coalition and the upcoming electoral contest.
State officials said the request will be examined in the next cabinet reshuffle meeting, where the distribution of portfolios among coalition partners is typically reviewed. The BJP’s demand reflects its broader strategy to expand influence in the Northeast, a region where it has been seeking to consolidate power ahead of the upcoming state elections.
Political analysts note that granting the additional berth could strengthen the coalition’s stability, but it may also trigger negotiations over key departments. The NPP, which currently heads the government, has not yet disclosed its stance on the BJP’s proposal.
The move comes as the BJP aims to showcase its growing foothold in Meghalaya, a state where it previously held a marginal presence. Observers will watch how the request shapes the dynamics of the coalition and the upcoming electoral contest.