Shillong, October 17, 2026: The Meghalaya UDP-BJP merger has received formal recognition from Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the state. With the decision, eight United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators have officially merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), increasing the BJP’s strength in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly from two to 10 members.
The Assembly Secretariat issued the notification on October 16, confirming the merger under Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India. In a separate order, the Speaker also rejected the disqualification petition filed by the UDP against the eight legislators, formalising a major political realignment ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Meghalaya Monitor
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Speaker Formally Recognises the Merger
The decision brings an end to weeks of uncertainty over the status of the eight legislators, who joined the BJP in New Delhi on September 23. Although the leaders had announced their switch earlier, their status within the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly remained under examination until the Speaker issued the formal order.
According to the Assembly notification dated October 16, the merger was recognised under Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule, which provides for a merger-related exception to the anti-defection provisions when its constitutional requirements are met.
Before reaching the decision, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma had said that he was examining the submitted documents and awaiting legal opinions. The matter had attracted considerable political attention because the UDP had also approached the Speaker seeking action against the legislators.
The latest order settles the Assembly’s consideration of the merger and changes the numerical strength of the two parties in the House.
Akashvani News
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Eight UDP MLAs Who Joined the BJP
The eight legislators whose merger has been recognised are:
- Lahkmen Rymbui
- Pius Marwein
- Kyrmen Shylla
- Mayralborn Syiem
- Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah
- Ollan Singh Suin
- Balajied Kupar Synrem
- Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah
The group formally joined the BJP at the party headquarters in New Delhi in September. Their induction took place in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and senior BJP leaders, including party spokesperson Sambit Patra.
The legislators had indicated that discussions with the BJP leadership had been underway for some time. Their decision was presented as an opportunity to pursue development-related issues and strengthen their engagement with the party’s central leadership.
The formal recognition by the Speaker now provides institutional clarity regarding their position in the Meghalaya Assembly.
MEGHALAYA DAILY
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BJP Strength Rises to 10, UDP Reduced to Four
The Meghalaya UDP-BJP merger has substantially changed the composition of the state legislature. Before the eight legislators switched parties, the BJP had two MLAs, while the UDP had 12.
Following the Speaker’s order, the BJP now has 10 legislators, while the UDP’s strength has fallen to four. The BJP has consequently expanded its presence in the 60-member Assembly and strengthened its position within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA).
The National People’s Party (NPP), which leads the MDA government, remains the dominant political force in the state. The BJP’s increased numbers nevertheless give it a stronger legislative presence and could influence discussions within the ruling coalition.
For the UDP, the loss of eight legislators represents a major setback. The party must now operate with a significantly reduced legislative contingent, raising questions about its organisational strength and future political strategy.
The development also changes the balance among regional and national parties in Meghalaya, where coalition arrangements play an important role in government formation and legislative decision-making.
Northeast Live
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UDP Disqualification Petition Rejected
Alongside recognising the merger, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma rejected the disqualification petition filed by the UDP against the eight legislators.
The petition had been a central part of the dispute following the legislators’ decision to join the BJP. The UDP had sought action against them, while the legislators maintained that their move constituted a merger rather than individual defections.
The Speaker’s decision to recognise the merger under Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule provides the constitutional basis for their continued membership in the Assembly under the recognised arrangement.
The issue had remained unresolved in the weeks after the legislators submitted their merger letter to the Assembly Secretariat on September 25. At that stage, the Speaker was examining the documents and seeking legal opinions before reaching a decision.
The October 16 notification represents the formal outcome of that process. It also highlights the importance of constitutional procedures in determining legislators’ status when political parties undergo major changes in their legislative composition.
Meghalaya Monitor
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Political Implications Ahead of the 2028 Elections
The merger could have implications for Meghalaya’s political calculations ahead of the next Assembly elections, scheduled for 2028. With the BJP’s legislative strength increasing fivefold, the party has gained a larger platform to advance its priorities and participate in discussions within the ruling alliance.
The eight legislators also bring their respective constituencies and political networks into the BJP’s legislative fold. How effectively the party consolidates this expanded presence will depend on its ability to maintain coordination among the legislators and address local concerns.
For the UDP, rebuilding its position will be a key challenge. With only four MLAs remaining, the party may need to reassess its strategy, strengthen its organisation and reconnect with voters to maintain its influence in state politics.
However, the immediate significance of the Speaker’s order lies in its formal recognition of the changed party composition rather than any automatic alteration to the government’s leadership or coalition structure.
The Meghalaya UDP-BJP merger marks an important development in the state’s political landscape, with the BJP emerging from the process with 10 Assembly seats and the UDP reduced to four. As parties adjust to the new arrangement, attention will turn to its impact on coalition coordination.
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