Shillong, Aug. 29 -- At least nine of the 12 United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators in Meghalaya are planning to defect to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with state BJP leaders confirming that central-level negotiations are already underway.
The disgruntlement within the UDP, an ally in the National People's Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, surfaced following a cabinet reshuffle in September 2025.
The internal squabbling was triggered when UDP Working president and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh was replaced by party president Metbah Lyngdoh, exposing deep organisational rifts and a factional struggle ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
UNI was unable to reach the UDP President Metbah Lyngdoh, but so...