States » EastPosted at: Sep 16 2026 1:06PM


Meghalaya CM silent on BJP's expansion plans in state

Shillong, Sep 16 (UNI) Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who is leading the National People's Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, has refused to comment on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) planning to expand its presence in the state, maintaining that his own party remains intact.
At least eight of the 12 United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators are planning to merge with the BJP, provided that the BJP-NDA government at the Centre implements their demands.
The key demands include implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP), inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, coal mining issue and other safeguards.
"This is something that I have not heard from any reliable source. I have only been seeing reels and some social media messages and news. But beyond that, I have not seen anything concrete," Sangma said, refraining from commenting further.
Both the UDP and the BJP are allies in the MDA -2.0 government, with the NPP commanding a majority of 33 seats in the 60-member Meghalaya assembly.
Asked if his party, the NPP is united, Sangma, who is also the president of NPP, the only party from the North Eastern States to be recognised as a national party by the Election Commission of India, said the party was "absolutely united".
"Deputy Chief Minister (Sniawbhalang Dhar) has spoken on behalf of the NPP that day and he has given a very clear picture that we are working together and our number is 33. We are very much united," he said.
Sangma said the party was working not only to ensure the stability of the government but also to strengthen the NPP ahead of the upcoming elections.
Sangma said the party was preparing to win the Lok Sabha by-election in Shillong as well as the district council elections in the Garo Hills.
Should the merger of the eight UDP legislators with the BJP go through within the ambit of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, it will propel the BJP to a 10-seat tally, replacing the regional UDP as the second-largest party in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly. UNI RRK SAS
Tags: #Meghalaya CM silent on BJP's expansion plans in state
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