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Politics
Meghalaya Assembly Speaker to Seek Legal Opinion on UDP MLAs' Merger with NPP
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 20 Oct 2026, 06:32 AM
👁 13
The speaker of Meghalaya's Legislative Assembly will obtain a legal opinion on the application submitted by three UDP legislators seeking to merge with the National People's Party.
Meghalaya's Legislative Assembly speaker announced that he will commission a legal opinion regarding the merger request filed by three members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) who wish to join the National People's Party (NPP). The application, submitted earlier this week, seeks formal recognition of the legislators' shift in party affiliation under the state's anti-defection law.
The speaker said the opinion will be sought from the state's legal advisory body to ensure the merger complies with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act and the Meghalaya Assembly Rules. A clear legal interpretation is deemed essential before any official acceptance or rejection of the request.
Political analysts note that the move could alter the balance of power in the 60-member assembly, where the NPP currently leads a coalition government. The outcome of the legal review will be closely watched by both parties and could set a precedent for future party-switching cases in the state.
The speaker has not provided a timeline for the opinion but indicated that the matter will be addressed promptly to avoid prolonged uncertainty in the legislative process.
The speaker said the opinion will be sought from the state's legal advisory body to ensure the merger complies with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act and the Meghalaya Assembly Rules. A clear legal interpretation is deemed essential before any official acceptance or rejection of the request.
Political analysts note that the move could alter the balance of power in the 60-member assembly, where the NPP currently leads a coalition government. The outcome of the legal review will be closely watched by both parties and could set a precedent for future party-switching cases in the state.
The speaker has not provided a timeline for the opinion but indicated that the matter will be addressed promptly to avoid prolonged uncertainty in the legislative process.