Eight Meghalaya UDP MLAs join BJP

BJP National President Nitin Nabin along with Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju welcome and congratulate United Democratic Party (UDP) leaders from Meghalaya who are joining the BJP at the party headquarters in New Delhi on September 23, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI

Meghalaya’s eight MLAs United Democratic Party (UDP) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and other senior officials at the party headquarters in New Delhi.

After the switch, the BJP is now the second largest party with 10 MLAs after the National People’s Party’s 33 in the Meghalaya Government. The strength of the UDP, on the other hand, was reduced from 12 to four. Both the UDP and the BJP are currently allies of the JE-led government.

The MLAs who joined the BJP are Lahkmen Rymbui, Pius Marwein, Kyrmen Shylla, Mayralborn Syiem, Matthew Kurbah, Ollan Singh Suin, Balajied Kupar Synrem and Synshar Kupar Roy.

“Coalition Stable”

“This is an extremely important political development, not just for the Northeast but for the entire country. It is a defining moment for Meghalaya… All these eight MLAs were extremely impressed and influenced by Prime Minister Modi and the performance of our BJP-led NDA government. They have decided to join the BJP,” Mr. Rijiju said at a joint press conference. BJP MP Sambit Patra, who is the party’s coordinator for the northeastern states, was also present.

Reacting to the development, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said, “It is between two political parties and has nothing to do with the National People’s Party. The strength of our coalition remains the same… Therefore, it does not affect the overall functioning of our government.”

Published – 24 Sep 2026 02:00 IST