UDP Collapses in Meghalaya After Mass MLA Defections
The United Democratic Party has been reduced to a single legislator after 11 of its 12 MLAs defected to the BJP and National People's Party, reshaping the state assembly's balance of power.
Eleven of the twelve United Democratic Party MLAs in Meghalaya have defected, eight joining the BJP and three joining the NPP. This leaves the regional party with just one representative in the 60-member state assembly, Metbah Lyngdoh. The development followed a series of defections that saw eight UDP MLAs merge with the BJP in September and three others with the ruling National People's Party earlier this month.
The eight MLAs who joined the BJP are Lahkmen Rymbui, Kyrmen Shylla, Pius Marwein, Mayralborn Syiem, Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah, Ollan Singh Suin, Balajied Kupar Synrem and Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah. The three who joined the NPP are Paul Lyngdoh, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Nujorki Sungoh. The moves followed a cabinet reshuffle in September 2025, which saw Metbah Lyngdoh and Lahkmen Rymbui replace senior UDP leaders Paul Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla as the party's cabinet representatives.
Speaker recognition and structural impact
The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker recognised both mergers under the Tenth Schedule, the law governing anti-defection provisions. This formalised the shifts without triggering disqualifications. The recognition reduced the UDP's strength from 12 MLAs to just one. It increased the BJP's tally from two to ten legislators. The NPP's strength in the assembly rose to around 36 MLAs.
Lyngdoh maintained his resignation from the cabinet was voluntary. He rejected speculation he was forced out.
Cabinet resignations and portfolio loss
Metbah Lyngdoh resigned as a minister in the Meghalaya Cabinet on October 31. He submitted his resignation letter to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. Lyngdoh, who is also the UDP president, held the portfolios of power, textiles, water resources, and taxation. He was inducted into these roles during the September reshuffle. He said he resigned after assessing the prevailing political situation and recent developments within his party.
Realignment within the ruling alliance
The UDP won 12 seats in the 2023 Meghalaya assembly elections, making it the second-largest party in the state. It was a key constituent of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance coalition, which also includes the BJP. The mass exit of UDP legislators has significantly strengthened the ruling side. It deals a severe blow to the regional party, once an influential force especially in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region.
The political upheaval came amid reported discontent within the UDP over leadership and organisational issues. Paul Lyngdoh pointed to internal divisions and a lack of mutual respect within the party.
What comes next for the UDP
Metbah Lyngdoh said the UDP's Central Executive Committee would deliberate on the developments. The committee was expected to meet around November 3 to decide on the future course of action. This includes whether the party will continue supporting the MDA government. Lyngdoh said decisions about sitting in opposition or the future political course would be left to the party leadership and office-bearers.
