The twist, however, is that lawmakers from the party’s ally – rather than its opponents – are allegedly gearing up to jump ship.
A dramatic shift in Meghalaya’s political equations is on the cards, as the Bharatiya Janata Party reportedly plans to boost its strength in the state assembly by absorbing MLAs, sources said.
Meghalaya’s political corridors are abuzz with speculation that as many as nine United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators are allegedly preparing to cross the political aisle and join the BJP. The political intrigue has also deepened following the recent meeting between UDP legislators and Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah. However, against the backdrop of the latest developments, the meeting has inevitably acquired a wider political significance, the sources added. The speculation comes amid reports of growing discontent within the UDP, with several legislators allegedly unhappy with party president Metbah Lyngdoh, who is seen as a close confidante of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. At a recent Central Executive Committee meeting, legislators reportedly voiced their dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership, with some allegedly walking out following heated exchanges, UDP sources added. That would potentially give the BJP its largest-ever legislative footprint in Meghalaya and substantially enhance its political leverage.
Because such an arrangement could significantly alter the power-sharing equation and strengthen the BJP’s bargaining position, this is. Because they would meet the two-thirds threshold, if at least eight MLAs defect, they could circumvent the anti-defection law. The UDP currently has 12 MLAs in the assembly.
The UDP said the discussions centred on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and other issues concerning Meghalaya. Sources said a larger share of ministerial berths for the BJP is among the demands reportedly being discussed if the proposed realignment takes place.
