SHILLONG: Following a massive political shake-up in Meghalaya that left him as the sole representative of the United Democratic Party in the state assembly, UDP President Metbah Lyngdoh has formally tendered his resignation from the Conrad K Sangma-led MDA II Cabinet. Lyngdoh, who held key portfolios including Power, Textiles, Water Resources, and Taxation, handed his resignation letter directly to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday evening, October 31, 2026.
The dramatic exit from the ministry was triggered by the sudden defection of 11 out of 12 UDP legislators, leaving the party leadership deeply isolated within the ruling alliance.
In a swift realignment of political forces, eight of the defecting MLAs merged into the Bharatiya Janata Party, while the remaining three aligned with the Chief Minister’s National People’s Party.
The exodus effectively reduced the UDP’s presence in the Legislative Assembly down to just its party chief.
Explaining the rationale behind his step down, Lyngdoh asserted that the choice to relinquish his cabinet role was made with gravity and a full sense of accountability after evaluating the state’s shifting political landscape.
Rejecting any suggestion of external compulsion, he maintained that the decision was taken independently after thorough internal deliberation, stressing that functioning under pressure inevitably leads to missteps.
While the cabinet resignation takes effect immediately on October 31, 2026, the UDP has deferred any immediate decision regarding its broader alliance with the MDA II administration.
Lyngdoh clarified that stepping down as minister is merely an initial action, and the party’s Central Executive Committee will meet shortly to assess the situation before deciding whether to continue outside support to the government.
(4FrontMedia news)
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