Meghalaya’s United Democratic Party (UDP) suspended three of its MLAs on September 23 after they announced their decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The action came hours after eight UDP legislators formally joined the BJP in New Delhi.
The three suspended MLAs are Kyrmen Shylla, Ollan Singh Suin and Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah. They represent Khliehriat, Mawsynram and Mawphlang constituencies respectively.
The UDP took the decision during an emergency meeting of its State Parliamentary Board. Party president Metbah Lyngdoh chaired the meeting in Shillong.
The development marks a major change in Meghalaya’s political landscape. The UDP had 12 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly. Eight have now joined the BJP, leaving the UDP with four legislators.
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UDP Issues Show-Cause Notices
UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh said the party had issued show-cause notices to the three legislators before taking disciplinary action.
The party gave them an opportunity to appear before the State Parliamentary Board. They could also submit their responses in writing.
According to Lyngdoh, none of the three MLAs responded within the stipulated time.
The State Parliamentary Board then decided to suspend them until further orders. The party communicated the suspension orders to the three legislators in writing.
Lyngdoh said the UDP would decide its next course of action later.
Eight UDP MLAs Join BJP
The suspension followed the formal joining of eight UDP MLAs in the BJP.
The legislators joined the BJP at its headquarters in New Delhi. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and other senior BJP leaders attended the programme.
The eight legislators are Lahkmen Rymbui, Pius Marwein, Kyrmen Shylla, Mayralborn Syiem, Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah, Ollan Singh Suin, Balajied Kupar Synrem and Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah.
The move increased the BJP’s strength in the Meghalaya Assembly from two to 10. At the same time, the UDP’s strength fell from 12 to four.
Four UDP MLAs Remain
Following the defection, four MLAs remain with the UDP.
They are party president Metbah Lyngdoh, Paul Lyngdoh, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Nujorki Sungoh.
Metbah Lyngdoh represents Mairang. Paul Lyngdoh represents West Shillong. Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar represents Mawkyrwat, while Nujorki Sungoh represents Mookaiaw.
The change means the UDP no longer has the same legislative strength it held before the defections. The party must now decide how it will reorganise its legislative and organisational structure.
Political Shift Changes Assembly Numbers
The movement of eight legislators has changed the numerical balance among political parties in Meghalaya.
The BJP’s strength has increased to 10 members. The UDP now has four MLAs.
The change is significant because the UDP had been the second-largest party in the Assembly before the switch. Its reduced strength also changes its position within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance.
The BJP is also part of the ruling coalition led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. The BJP’s larger legislative strength could affect discussions within the coalition.
CM Conrad Sangma Says Government Is Stable
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has said the political developments will not affect the stability of the coalition government.
Sangma said the decision to change parties was made by the legislators concerned. He also indicated that the government remained stable after the development.
The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance includes several parties and independent legislators. The latest change has altered the strength of individual parties within the alliance.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came after the eight UDP MLAs joined the BJP.
MLAs Had Announced Their Plans Earlier
The move to the BJP was preceded by weeks of political speculation.
In September, reports emerged that several UDP legislators were considering leaving the party. The UDP initially said it had not received formal communication from its MLAs.
Party general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne had earlier said that the party would consider disciplinary action if legislators formally moved towards another party.
He said the State Parliamentary Board or disciplinary committee would take the final decision.
The situation changed on September 23 when the eight MLAs formally joined the BJP.
Four State Issues Raised by BJP Group
The legislators who moved to the BJP had earlier spoken about several issues concerning Meghalaya.
Kyrmen Shylla had said the group sought assurances on four major matters. These included the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
The other issues included the relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong, resolution of the coal mining issue and amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act.
These were cited by reports as issues discussed during negotiations surrounding the move. The claims about assurances and negotiations have been attributed to the legislators and reports on the development.
UDP Faces Organisational Challenge
The departure of eight MLAs presents a significant organisational challenge for the UDP.
The party must now manage its reduced legislative presence while maintaining its wider political organisation. It will also need to determine its position within the ruling alliance.
The party’s remaining four MLAs include its president and senior leaders. Their immediate task will include deciding the party’s legislative strategy and future political direction.
The suspension of three legislators is currently in force until further orders. The UDP has said it will announce additional decisions separately.
BJP Strengthens Its Position in Meghalaya
The BJP has emerged with a larger legislative presence following the switch.
Its strength has increased from two MLAs to 10. The party has also gained legislators with established political bases across different parts of Meghalaya.
The induction took place in New Delhi in the presence of senior BJP leaders. Kiren Rijiju welcomed the legislators, while BJP leaders described the development as significant for the party’s presence in the Northeast.
Meghalaya Politics Enters a New Phase
The suspension of three UDP MLAs is the latest development in a major political shift in Meghalaya.
Eight of the UDP’s 12 legislators have joined the BJP. The UDP now has four MLAs, while the BJP has 10.
The UDP has suspended three of the defecting legislators after they failed to respond to show-cause notices. The party will decide its further course of action later.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has said the coalition government remains stable. The changes have nevertheless altered the political arithmetic inside the Meghalaya Assembly.
The coming period will show how the UDP reorganises after the departures and how the BJP’s expanded strength affects its role within Meghalaya’s ruling alliance.