SHILLONG: Amid ongoing speculation and evasive responses from most United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators, Mawsynram MLA Olan Sing Suin has openly acknowledged that a group of eight UDP MLAs is actively negotiating with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and will switch allegiance if key state-centric demands are fulfilled.
Suin, who attended the recent UDP Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting as a sitting MLA, confirmed that behind-the-scenes discussions with the BJP are progressing.
The group’s main demands include the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, the lifting of coal mining restrictions in Meghalaya, and the relocation of the Harijan community from the Iewmawlong area, among other public grievances.
Citing the historical example of Rev. J.J.M. Nichols Roy—who joined the Indian National Congress after securing safeguards for the indigenous community—Suin argued that switching parties is justified if it brings tangible benefits for the state.
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He emphasized that any final decision will depend on the BJP-led Centre’s willingness to act on resolutions passed by the State Legislative Assembly and supported by local pressure groups.
Suin clarified that the negotiations are entirely focused on public interest, with no personal conditions or demands for ministerial positions.
Responsibilities have already been distributed among the group, with some members tasked with lobbying in Delhi to push these issues forward.
Suin reiterated that if the Centre agrees to their core demands, the group of eight UDP MLAs will have “no hesitation” in joining the BJP.
(4FrontMedia news)
