Shillong, Sep 6: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Saturday, a meeting that came amid mounting speculation over a possible shift of nine UDP legislators to BJP.
Sangma, who also heads NPP, did not disclose details on social media. Sources said discussion centred on political situation in Meghalaya, particularly reports that a sizeable section of UDP legislature party is in touch with BJP.
On August 10, Shah had met eight UDP MLAs in national capital in presence of BJP’s Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra. That meeting set off speculation about realignment within ruling MDA-II, where UDP is key partner with 12 MLAs.
UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh denied any move towards defection or merger, saying delegation’s meeting with Shah was limited to FCRA clearances and other pending state matters.
Buzz has not subsided, with former UDP general secretary Dr. Jemino Mawthoh confirming he will join BJP on September 12. Mawthoh resigned from UDP in May 2025.
For Sangma, it is a delicate balancing act. NPP and BJP have been coalition partners since 2018, but large-scale induction from UDP into BJP would alter equations within MDA-II, which comprises 33 NPP, 12 UDP, 2 BJP, 2 HSPDP and 2 Independents.
