Shillong: Three more MLAs of Meghalaya's regional United Democratic Party have moved to merge with the ruling National People's Party, weeks after eight of its 12 legislators joined the BJP.
On Monday, the UDP expelled West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh, Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Mookaiaw MLA Nujorki Sungoh after they submitted an application to Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, seeking to merge with the NPP.
The Speaker said he would seek a legal opinion and communicate his decision within a few days. He recognised the merger of the eight MLAs with the BJP, but cautioned against treating the proposed merger of the three as a mere formality. This was the fifth merger application received during his tenure, he said.
The NPP, led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, heads the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government. With 10 MLAs after eight crossed over from the UDP, the BJP is the second-largest constituent of the coalition.
The three MLAs are expected to join the NPP later this week. Their recognition will raise the party's strength in the 60-member House to 36. UDP president and Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh, who will be the party's lone MLA in a few days, said the party decided at an emergency meeting to expel the three.
Separately, senior BJP leader A.L. Hek ruled out a cabinet berth and said he saw no change in the Meghalaya government.
Less than a month ago, eight of the UDP's 12 MLAs joined the BJP, delivering a heavy blow to the regional party.