Meghalaya Chief Minister Sandrok Lyngdoh Sangma visited the Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday, sparking widespread political speculation after reports surfaced that at least eight MLAs from the ruling United Democratic Party are preparing to switch allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The meeting, which lasted nearly an hour, was understood to have focused on the prevailing law and order situation and the political developments in the state. Officials said no concrete action was discussed, but the timing of the visit immediately drew attention given the ongoing whispers of defections within the UDP ranks.
Sources close to the development said several UDP legislators have been in contact with senior BJP leaders in recent weeks, with discussions reportedly centered on a possible reshuffle or new political arrangement. The BJP is believed to be waiting for the right moment to make its move, potentially capitalizing on perceived discontent among a faction of UDP MPs who feel they have been sidelined in decision-making processes.
The United Democratic Party, which has ruled Meghalaya for decades under various configurations, currently holds a precarious majority in the 60-member legislative assembly. With just a slender lead over the opposition, even a handful of defections could severely weaken the government's position and force a trust vote in the assembly.
This is not the first time Meghalaya has faced such a crisis. In March 2023, a similar wave of defections led to the collapse of the PNBK sangma-led government and triggered fresh elections. Political analysts warn that the current situation could again destabilize the state if enough MLAs defect before the next scheduled election.
Neither the CM nor the Governor's office has officially commented on the defection reports. The BJP has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. Meanwhile, the eight reportedly concerned MLAs have declined to make any public statement on the matter.
