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Politics
Three UDP legislators in Meghalaya set to join NPP
✍️ Deccan Herald
🗓 20 Oct 2026, 06:32 AM
👁 15
Three of the four remaining United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators in Meghalaya are expected to defect to the National People's Party (NPP), further reshaping the state’s political landscape.
The United Democratic Party, once a key regional player in Meghalaya, now finds only four MLAs in its legislative ranks. Sources close to the party say that three of these remaining members are preparing to switch allegiance to the ruling National People's Party, citing better prospects for development work and alignment with the state government's agenda.
If the defections materialise, the NPP’s strength in the 60‑member assembly will increase, while the UDP’s presence will shrink to a single MLA. Political analysts view the move as part of a broader trend of realignment ahead of the next state elections, where smaller regional outfits are seeking relevance through mergers with larger parties.
Party officials from both sides have refrained from making formal statements, but insiders suggest that negotiations are underway and that the three legislators will submit their resignations from the UDP and formally join the NPP within weeks.
If the defections materialise, the NPP’s strength in the 60‑member assembly will increase, while the UDP’s presence will shrink to a single MLA. Political analysts view the move as part of a broader trend of realignment ahead of the next state elections, where smaller regional outfits are seeking relevance through mergers with larger parties.
Party officials from both sides have refrained from making formal statements, but insiders suggest that negotiations are underway and that the three legislators will submit their resignations from the UDP and formally join the NPP within weeks.