Shillong, May 9, 2026: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday stated that he has no knowledge of any United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs planning to join the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
Speaking to reporters, Dhar, who also serves as the national vice president of the NPP, firmly dismissed speculation about large-scale defections from the UDP to the NPP. “I have no knowledge of any such move,” he said.
The statement comes amid persistent rumours of dissidence within the UDP, a key ally in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition government led by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. The MDA comprises the NPP, UDP, BJP, and other smaller parties.
Political Context
Meghalaya’s political landscape remains fluid as the state gears up for the 2028 Assembly elections. The ruling coalition has witnessed some inflows at the grassroots level, with a few UDP and HSPDP workers joining the NPP in constituencies such as Mawkyrwat. However, Dhar’s remarks suggest that no sitting UDP MLAs are currently in talks to switch sides.
On the same day, the Deputy Chief Minister also reiterated the NPP’s support for its candidate, Dr. DRL Nonglait, in the ongoing Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll. He took the opportunity to criticise the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP), accusing it of negative politics.
Coalition Stability
The MDA government has maintained relative stability since coming to power, though occasional reports of internal friction surface, particularly involving smaller alliance partners. Political observers note that while cross-party movements are common in Meghalaya ahead of major polls, no confirmed defections of UDP legislators to the NPP have been reported so far.
Dhar emphasised that the focus of the ruling alliance remains on development and governance rather than political manoeuvring.
This development is being closely watched as the Shillong bypoll results could influence the momentum heading into future electoral battles in the state.
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