📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
Politics
Eight UDP MLAs Switch to BJP, Boosting Party’s Seats in Meghalaya to Ten
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 23 Sep 2026, 04:37 PM
👁 14
Eight legislators from the United Democratic Party have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, raising BJP’s tally in the Meghalaya assembly from two to ten, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said.
In a significant political shift in Meghalaya, eight members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) have formally entered the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Their defection increases the BJP’s representation in the state assembly from two legislators to ten, marking a notable expansion for the party in the Northeastern region.
The new BJP legislators were previously elected on UDP tickets and have now aligned themselves with the ruling National Democratic Alliance at the centre. Their move strengthens the BJP’s foothold ahead of upcoming legislative sessions and potential state-level electoral contests.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomed the development, stating that the defectors were impressed by the NDA’s governance model and development agenda. He emphasized that the influx of experienced lawmakers would aid the party’s efforts to deliver on its promises in Meghalaya.
Political analysts note that such realignments could reshape coalition dynamics in the state, where regional parties have traditionally held sway. The BJP’s enhanced numbers may enable it to play a more decisive role in legislative debates and policy formulation.
The new BJP legislators were previously elected on UDP tickets and have now aligned themselves with the ruling National Democratic Alliance at the centre. Their move strengthens the BJP’s foothold ahead of upcoming legislative sessions and potential state-level electoral contests.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomed the development, stating that the defectors were impressed by the NDA’s governance model and development agenda. He emphasized that the influx of experienced lawmakers would aid the party’s efforts to deliver on its promises in Meghalaya.
Political analysts note that such realignments could reshape coalition dynamics in the state, where regional parties have traditionally held sway. The BJP’s enhanced numbers may enable it to play a more decisive role in legislative debates and policy formulation.