The United Democratic Party (UDP) of Meghalaya rejected media reports that nine of its twelve legislators were preparing to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). UDP president and cabinet minister Metbah Lyngdoh said all twelve MLAs remain in Meghalaya and none indicated an intention to switch parties, adding that the story originated solely from the media.
Lyngdoh clarified that nine legislators had met the Union Home Minister to discuss a proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act in Parliament, a meeting that was misinterpreted as a political move. He noted that four legislators — Pius Marwein, Balajied Kupar Synrem, Kyrmen Shylla and Synshar Kupar Lyngdoh Thabah — had travelled to Kolkata on personal matters, while others such as Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Matthew Beyondstar and Olan Sing Suin were in Shillong.
Addressing speculation of internal discord after last year’s cabinet reshuffle, Lyngdoh said decisions were taken collectively and no MLA expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership. He urged journalists to verify information before publishing, warning that inaccurate reports mislead the public.
BJP cabinet minister Sanbor Shullai neither confirmed nor denied the rumors, stating the party remains open to leaders from different political outfits and that its doors are open 24 hours for legislators, party members and the public. The UDP’s denial comes amid heightened speculation about the BJP’s efforts to expand its influence in Meghalaya.
