Politics · India Bureau
UDP chief Lyngdoh quits as Meghalaya Minister after mass defections
UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh has resigned as Meghalaya Minister following the near-complete collapse of his party, with most legislators defecting to the BJP and ruling NPP in recent weeks.
LSN India ·
Metbah Lyngdoh, chief of the United Democratic Party (UDP), stepped down from his ministerial position after a series of high-profile defections depleted the party's legislative strength in Meghalaya. The resignation marked the end of UDP's representation in the state cabinet following a cascade of departures that saw the party's remaining assembly members join rival political formations.
The exodus began in September when eight UDP MLAs merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), significantly weakening the regional party's position. The departures continued this month as three additional legislators joined the National People's Party (NPP), which leads the state government.
With the bulk of its assembly members now aligned with other parties, UDP was left with minimal legislative presence. Lyngdoh's resignation as Minister effectively ended the party's participation in the state administration, a significant setback for a party that had maintained political relevance in Meghalaya's competitive multi-party landscape.
The defections reflected broader political realignments in the northeastern state, where parties have frequently witnessed shifts in their legislative membership as lawmakers seek positions within the ruling coalition.