Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said the joining of eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not affect the functioning of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government. Sangma said both parties will remain part of the ruling coalition.
The eight UDP MLAs joined the BJP in New Delhi on Wednesday, taking the BJP’s strength in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly from two to 10 and reducing the UDP’s strength to four. (Akashvani News)
Reacting to the political development, Sangma said the decision was between the two political parties and was ultimately a decision taken by the individual MLAs.
“It has nothing to do really with the National People’s Party as such. So therefore, it’s really, as I said, the desire and the decision of the MLAs. So, I don’t have any comments on their decision,” Sangma said.
He said the change would not alter the strength of the coalition since the BJP remains a constituent of the ruling alliance.
“The strength of the coalition remains the same because it is very much within the coalition. So therefore, it does not disturb in any way the overall functioning of our government,” he said.
Sangma also said his government was confident of continuing its work even in the event of changes within the coalition.
“We have a simple majority in the House. And therefore, we are quite confident that everything will be as usual,” he said.
At the same time, the chief minister acknowledged that the development could lead to some concerns between the BJP and UDP.
“But of course, there will be some concerns between the two political parties. Because one has left, one from one party, the MLAs have left and joined another political party. So, that they have to figure out,” Sangma said.
Asked whether the BJP, which now has 10 MLAs, had sought additional Cabinet berths, Sangma said, “No, they have not asked.”
He also ruled out any immediate threat to his leadership.
“Is there any threat to your leadership in the long run?” he was asked.
“No, there is no threat as of now,” Sangma replied.
On the BJP’s expansion in the state, Sangma said it was natural for political parties to seek to increase their presence.
“Every political party has their desire to grow. And I think in a democracy and in politics, every party will aspire,” he said.
Sangma added that the NPP would continue to strengthen its own political base and contest elections on its own identity.
“We always fight on our own terms, as our own identity. And that will continue in the future also,” he said.
The chief minister was also asked whether the issues being raised by the eight MLAs, including coal mining and other long-pending matters, could overshadow the work of his government.
Sangma said his focus was not on political credit but on finding solutions to issues.
“For me, I don’t look at anything as a limelight. For me, it is more important to find a solution to the problem. So, if a solution can be resolved, then that’s what gives me most happiness and satisfaction,” he said.
On coal mining, Sangma recalled that the state government had fought the matter in the Supreme Court, which lifted the ban in 2019 subject to scientific mining and compliance with the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
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He said four mines are currently functional, but challenges relating to safety, environmental requirements and the viability of mining operations remain.
“We have moved forward, yes. Have we been able to resolve all the issues concerning all the miners? Maybe not yet,” Sangma said, adding that the government was working on the scientific and technical aspects related to the safety of miners and the environment.
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