Politics · India Bureau
Meghalaya's UDP faces exodus as three MLAs seek NPP merger
The United Democratic Party in Meghalaya is facing further defections with three of its four remaining legislators moving to join the ruling National People's Party. The development comes months after eight UDP members switched to the BJP.
LSN India ·
Three members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Meghalaya have submitted merger applications to Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, seeking to join the ruling National People's Party (NPP), according to official communications. The move represents a significant blow to the regional party, which has been hemorrhaging legislators since earlier this year when eight members defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The defections leave the UDP with only one remaining legislator in the 60-member Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. The party, which has been a significant political force in the northeastern state, has seen its parliamentary strength substantially diminished through successive waves of departures to both national and regional parties.
The shift underscores the political realignment taking place in Meghalaya's legislative landscape, with legislators gravitating toward larger parties. The NPP, which leads the state government, appears to be consolidating support through absorbing members from smaller regional parties.
Merger applications filed with the Speaker typically initiate a formal process for party defection. The timing of these applications suggests ongoing negotiations between UDP legislators and the NPP leadership regarding terms of their transition.