After eight MLAs went to BJP, Meghalaya regional party set to lose three more
The United Democratic Party (UDP) in Meghalaya is facing further instability as three more MLAs seek to merge with the ruling National People's Party. This follows a recent defection of eight other UDP MLAs to the BJP, significantly altering the state's political coalition landscape.
Why it matters
The shifting alliances in Meghalaya reflect broader trends of regional party consolidation and the strengthening of national parties like the BJP and NPP in state governance.
After eight MLAs went to BJP, Meghalaya regional party set to lose three more left A combo picture of Paul Lyngdoh, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Nujorki Sungoh. Photo courtesy: Twitter https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/1vain5/article71603851.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/vbk-meghalaya%20mlas.jpg A combo picture of Paul Lyngdoh, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Nujorki Sungoh. Photo courtesy: Twitter Three of the remaining four United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs submitted an application to Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, seeking to merge with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) GUWAHATI Less than a month after eight of its 12 MLAs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Meghalaya’s regional United Democratic Party (UDP) is set to lose three more. On Monday (October 19, 2026), the UDP expelled three MLAs — Paul Lyngdoh of the West Shillong seat, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar of Mawkyrwat and Nujorki Sungoh of Mookaiaw — after they submitted an application to Assembly Speaker Thomas A.
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