📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Politics
Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma meets Governor over reports of 8 UDP MLAs defecting to BJP
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 13 Sep 2026, 09:46 PM
👁 3
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma called on Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan after media reports suggested eight UDP legislators were planning to join the BJP.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma met Governor Phagu Chauhan on Thursday following reports that eight legislators from the United Democratic Party (UDP) were contemplating a switch to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The meeting, held at the Raj Bhavan, was described as a routine discussion on political developments in the state.
According to local media, the eight UDP MLAs had allegedly expressed dissatisfaction with their party's leadership and were in contact with BJP officials. Sangma emphasized the need for stability in the state's coalition government and sought the Governor's guidance on any procedural steps required should any defections occur.
The Governor acknowledged the concerns raised and reiterated his constitutional role in ensuring that any change in party affiliation complies with the anti‑defection law. No official confirmation of the alleged defections has been made, and both parties have refrained from commenting further.
Political analysts note that such moves, if real, could alter the balance of power in the 60‑member Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, where the UDP currently supports the ruling coalition. The situation remains under close observation as the state approaches its next electoral cycle.
According to local media, the eight UDP MLAs had allegedly expressed dissatisfaction with their party's leadership and were in contact with BJP officials. Sangma emphasized the need for stability in the state's coalition government and sought the Governor's guidance on any procedural steps required should any defections occur.
The Governor acknowledged the concerns raised and reiterated his constitutional role in ensuring that any change in party affiliation complies with the anti‑defection law. No official confirmation of the alleged defections has been made, and both parties have refrained from commenting further.
Political analysts note that such moves, if real, could alter the balance of power in the 60‑member Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, where the UDP currently supports the ruling coalition. The situation remains under close observation as the state approaches its next electoral cycle.