Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has dismissed speculation about an immediate Cabinet reshuffle following the decision of eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Sangma said there had been no discussion about inducting the newly joined BJP legislators into the state Cabinet. He also rejected reports of tensions within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government.
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No Discussion on Cabinet Induction
Speaking to reporters, Sangma said the government had not discussed giving Cabinet positions to the eight former UDP MLAs.
The chief minister said there was no particular intention to induct any of the newly joined legislators as ministers. He also made it clear that the issue had not come up either before or after their move to the BJP.
The clarification came amid reports that the BJP could seek a larger role in the state government after its strength increased in the Assembly.
Eight UDP MLAs Join BJP
Eight of the 12 UDP MLAs joined the BJP on September 23. The move increased the BJP’s strength in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly from two to 10.
The UDP, meanwhile, was left with four MLAs. Both the BJP and UDP remain part of the ruling MDA coalition.
The political shift led to speculation about changes in the power-sharing arrangement. However, Sangma has maintained that the change does not threaten the functioning of his government.
Sangma Dismisses MDA Rift Reports
Sangma also rejected reports suggesting a possible rift between the National People’s Party (NPP) and the BJP.
The chief minister said the MDA government remained stable. He pointed out that the NPP continues to have 33 MLAs in the Assembly.
Sangma also dismissed reports that BJP leaders were attempting to weaken the NPP or form a separate government. He described such reports as speculation and said there was no immediate concern for the coalition government.
NPP MLAs Remain United
The chief minister also addressed reports about an internal meeting of NPP legislators. He said such meetings form part of the party’s regular coordination process.
Sangma maintained that the NPP legislators remained united. He also sought to reassure party workers and coalition partners about the stability of the government.
The NPP’s position in the Assembly gives it a strong numerical presence within the MDA.
Political Equation Changes After BJP Expansion
The movement of eight UDP MLAs to the BJP has changed the political balance within the ruling coalition.
The BJP now has 10 MLAs, making it the second-largest party in the Meghalaya Assembly after the NPP. The UDP’s strength has fallen to four.
The development had triggered reports of possible changes in Cabinet representation. Some reports suggested that the BJP could seek additional ministerial positions after gaining more legislators.
However, the chief minister has said no such discussion has taken place.
MDA Government Remains in Place
The eight MLAs moved from one MDA constituent to another. As a result, the overall strength of the ruling coalition has not changed.
Sangma said the political development involved the legislators and the respective parties. He maintained that it did not affect the functioning of the government.
The chief minister has also reiterated the NPP’s commitment to its coalition partners and the broader alliance framework.
Cabinet Speculation Continues
Despite Sangma’s clarification, the movement of the eight UDP legislators has generated discussion about future Cabinet arrangements in Meghalaya.
The BJP’s increased strength has changed its position within the MDA. However, any future Cabinet changes would require a formal decision by the government and coalition partners.
For now, Sangma has ruled out any immediate Cabinet expansion or reshuffle to accommodate the former UDP legislators.
Sangma Seeks to End Speculation
Conrad Sangma’s latest remarks aim to put an end to speculation about an immediate Cabinet reshuffle. He has maintained that the government remains stable and that no decision has been taken to induct the new BJP members into the Council of Ministers.
The political realignment has altered party numbers within the Meghalaya Assembly, but the MDA government continues to function under Sangma’s leadership.
For the moment, the chief minister’s position is clear: there has been no discussion on Cabinet berths for the eight former UDP MLAs who recently joined the BJP.
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