Mawthoh joins BJP; eight UDP MLAs may follow in Meghalaya
Former UDP leader Jemino Mawthoh has joined the BJP in Meghalaya, fueling speculation that several other UDP MLAs may follow suit. If eight MLAs defect, the BJP would become the second-largest party in the state assembly, potentially shifting the local political balance.
Why it matters
This shift could significantly alter the power dynamics within the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government.
Former Meghalaya MLA and United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Jemino Mawthoh joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, intensifying speculation that at least eight of the regional party’s 12 MLAs could also switch over, a move that may make the BJP the second-largest party in the Meghalaya Assembly.
Mr. Mawthoh, who quit the UDP in May, joined the BJP in Shillong on Saturday. His move came amid growing indications of a possible larger shit of UDP leaders to the BJP.
The speculation grew stronger after six UDP MLAs skipped the party’s Central Executive Committee meeting in Shillong on Friday (September 11, 20260), while three others admitted that they were in talks with the BJP.
The UDP leadership, including party president Metbah Lyngdoh, however, maintained that the party’s legislators remained united.
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