Shillong, Aug 29: In a move that could redraw Meghalaya’s coalition math, nine of 12 UDP MLAs are set to join BJP after the second round of talks on August 30, a senior UDP leader claimed on condition of anonymity.
Those likely to stay back are party president Metbah Lyngdoh, Nujorki Sungoh and Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar. When contacted, Metbah said he was not aware of the development.
The first round of discussions was held in Delhi recently when the UDP MLAs met BJP leaders over the FCRA issue.
If the shift happens, BJP’s strength will jump from 2 to 11, giving it far bigger bargaining power inside the NPP-led coalition headed by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
The BJP is expected to press for more cabinet berths beyond one it currently holds from the UDP quota. Lahkmen Rymbui is likely to retain his berth as part of the moving group, while Metbah could be dropped as he stays out.
The realignment may cause heartburn in the NPP. MLAs who may be dropped could feel aggrieved if more portfolios go to the enlarged BJP bloc.
Balancing competing claims will be a tightrope walk for Conrad to keep the coalition stable. More political churn is likely in the coming days.
