BJP expands presence in Meghalaya Assembly, 8 UDP MLAs join the party

New Delhi, Sep 23 (UNI) The BJP on Wednesday expanded its presence in the Meghalaya Assembly with eight MLAs of United Democratic Party (UDP) joining the party, increasing its strength in the 60-member House. The legislators were inducted at the BJP headquarters, here, in the presence of union Minister Kiren Rijiju, national spokesperson Sambit Patra and other leaders.

Those who joined the BJP included Lahkmen Rymbui, Pius Marwein, Kyrmen Shylla, Mayralborn Syiem, Matthew Kurbah, Ollan Singh Suin, Balajied Kupar Synrem, Synshar Kupar Roy. Welcoming them into the party, Rijiju said their decision was influenced by the development initiatives undertaken by the Narendra Modi-led government in the Northeast. "All of these eight MLAs were extremely impressed and influenced by Prime Minister Modi and our BJP-led NDA government's performance.

They decided to join the BJP," Rijiju said. He added that the Centre's increased focus on the region had altered its political and developmental landscape, contrasting it with the approach of previous Congress-led governments. The Prime Minister maintained sustained engagement with the Northeast and had visited the region multiple times for development programmes and outreach, he also said Rijiju said the eight legislators would strengthen the government led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and improve coordination among the BJP and its NDA partners in the state.

The political shift has reduced the UDP's strength from 12 MLAs to four and increased the BJP's to 10 legislators, making it the second-largest party in the Assembly after the National People's Party. Coming ahead of the next Assembly elections, observers say the development will have a major effect on political equations in Meghalaya.

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