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Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi has drawn attention amid growing speculation over a possible political shift involving nine United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators in Meghalaya. Sangma, who also heads the National People’s Party (NPP), met Shah on Saturday, with sources indicating that the political situation in Meghalaya and reports of UDP legislators being in contact with the BJP were among the issues discussed. The meeting comes weeks after Shah met eight UDP MLAs in New Delhi in the presence of BJP Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, triggering speculation about a possible realignment within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance-II (MDA-II). UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh, however, has denied any plans for defection or merger, stating that the earlier delegation’s meeting with Shah was related to FCRA clearances and other pending state matters. Speculation has continued, particularly after former UDP general secretary Dr Jemino Mawthoh confirmed that he will join the BJP on September 12. Sangma faces a delicate political balancing act as the NPP and BJP have been coalition partners since 2018, while the UDP remains a key component of the MDA-II government. Any large-scale movement of UDP legislators to the BJP could significantly alter the political equations within the ruling alliance, which currently includes 33 NPP MLAs, 12 from the UDP, two BJP members, two HSPDP members and two Independents.
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