UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh resigns as Meghalaya minister
The resignation follows a series of defections that left the United Democratic Party with only one legislator in the Assembly.
United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh resigned from his position in the Meghalaya Cabinet on Saturday. According to The Assam Tribune, Lyngdoh submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma after evaluating the current political climate and recent changes within his party.
Lyngdoh, who held portfolios for the power, textiles, water resources, and taxation departments, is now the sole UDP representative in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. The party's strength was reduced from 12 members to one following a series of defections.
The Hindu reported that eight UDP legislators merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in September. Subsequently, three other members joined the National People’s Party (NPP) earlier this month.
The Speaker recognised these mergers, which increased the BJP's tally to 10 and the NPP's strength to 36 in the 60-member Assembly. The UDP had previously been the second-largest party in the state following the 2023 elections.
Lyngdoh stated that his decision to step down was voluntary and rejected claims that he was forced to do so. He noted that the party's Central Executive Committee would meet with leaders and office-bearers to determine the next steps for the UDP.