BJP strength rises to 10 in Meghalaya Assembly; CM Sangma says govt stable

Shillong, Sep 23: Eight United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators joined the BJP in New Delhi on Wednesday, raising the party’s strength in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly from two to 10 and making it the second-largest party after the ruling National People’s Party (NPP). The UDP’s strength has fallen from 12 to four, while the BJP remains a constituent of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the development would have no impact on the functioning of the MDA government. He said the coalition strength remained unchanged as the BJP continued to be part of the alliance and added that the BJP had not sought additional berths in his cabinet. Sangma also ruled out any immediate cabinet reshuffle.
The BJP previously had two MLAs, Alexander Laloo Hek and Sanbor Shullai, both representing Shillong constituencies and having served as ministers. Those who joined the BJP were Education minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Kyrmen Shylla, Mayralborn Syiem, Pius Marwein, Balajied Kupar Synrem, Ollan Sing Suin, Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah and Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah. They were inducted in the presence of Union minister Kiren Rijiju, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra and other leaders.
Rymbui said the decision was driven by key demands of Meghalaya, including inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, amendment of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act to check influx, easing of coal mining procedures and relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong. He said support from BJP-led NDA government at the Centre was needed on these issues and that BJP leaders had given encouraging responses.
Sangma said the decision was between the two parties and the respective legislators, and had nothing to do with the NPP. He said the government had a simple majority in the House and expressed confidence that its functioning would continue as usual despite the change in party strength.
Welcoming the legislators, Rijiju said the BJP had changed the politics of the Northeast by focusing on development and connectivity. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the Northeast more than 80 times and directed ministers to regularly visit the region.
The BJP’s increased strength also gives it representation in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), as two of the new inductees are sitting members. Another sitting UDP MDC, Barikupar Synrem, is also expected to join the BJP.