SHILLONG: In a landmark political realignment, eight former United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs formally submitted their merger documents to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretariat today, officially launching their transition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Accompanied by state BJP leaders and Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai, the legislators filed their paperwork for legal review by the Assembly, which will determine whether the move is classified as a party merger or individual inductions.
The group’s first visit to the state BJP office since their joining ceremony in New Delhi was marked by a warm welcome.
Addressing party workers and the media, Cabinet Minister Lahkmen Rymbui stressed that the decision to join the BJP was driven by a commitment to safeguard Meghalaya’s indigenous identity, language, and statutory protections, rather than personal gain.
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Rymbui acknowledged public skepticism and criticism but affirmed that the group’s negotiations with central BJP leadership focused on key state issues, including the FCRA.
He emphasized that no cabinet or ministerial demands were made, and that leadership assignments remain with the party hierarchy.
The defecting MLAs, representing a new generation of political leaders, underscored their intent to contribute to Meghalaya’s long-term development through collaboration with the BJP and the central government, reaffirming their focus on the aspirations of the state’s citizens.
(4FrontMedia news)
