📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
Politics
Eight UDP legislators join BJP, boosting party's foothold in Meghalaya
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 24 Sep 2026, 04:46 AM
👁 10
Eight United Democratic Party legislators have switched allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party, expanding BJP’s legislative presence in Meghalaya.
Eight sitting members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) have formally resigned from their party and taken oath as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators in Meghalaya. The defections were announced in a brief gathering at the state capital, Shillong, and were later confirmed by party officials.
The addition of eight legislators raises BJP’s count in the 60‑member Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, narrowing the numerical gap with the ruling coalition and strengthening the party’s position ahead of the next state elections. While exact seat tallies remain fluid, the move is seen as a significant shift in the state’s political balance.
BJP’s state president welcomed the newcomers, describing the transition as a sign of growing confidence in the party’s development agenda for the hill state. UDP leaders, however, expressed disappointment, suggesting the defections could destabilise the existing alliance framework.
Political analysts note that such cross‑party moves are not uncommon in northeastern politics, where regional parties often realign ahead of electoral contests. The BJP is likely to leverage the new MLAs to broaden its outreach in Meghalaya’s diverse districts.
The addition of eight legislators raises BJP’s count in the 60‑member Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, narrowing the numerical gap with the ruling coalition and strengthening the party’s position ahead of the next state elections. While exact seat tallies remain fluid, the move is seen as a significant shift in the state’s political balance.
BJP’s state president welcomed the newcomers, describing the transition as a sign of growing confidence in the party’s development agenda for the hill state. UDP leaders, however, expressed disappointment, suggesting the defections could destabilise the existing alliance framework.
Political analysts note that such cross‑party moves are not uncommon in northeastern politics, where regional parties often realign ahead of electoral contests. The BJP is likely to leverage the new MLAs to broaden its outreach in Meghalaya’s diverse districts.