India, Sept. 24 -- The BJP on Wednesday got a shot in the arm with eight MLAs of Meghalaya's United Democratic Party (UDP) joining it in the presence of senior leaders, including Union minister Kiren Rijiju at the party headquarters. Lahkmen Rymbui, Pius Marwein, Kyrmen Shylla, Mayralborn Syiem, Matthew Kurbah, Ollan Singh Suin, Balajied Kupar Synrem and Synshar Kupar Roy joined the BJP in New Delhi.

The UDP has 12 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly, two of whom are ministers in the Conrad K Sangma-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance Government. With eight of the UDP legislators switching sides, the BJP's strength in the 60-member assembly increased from two to 10. It would give the BJP more influence over ministerial representation and policy...