The defections were formalised at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and senior party leaders, including BJP MP Sambit Patra, who coordinates the party’s northeastern strategy.
The eight legislators – Lahkmen Rymbui, Pius Marwein, Kyrmen Shylla, Mayralborn Syiem, Matthew Kurbah, Ollan Singh Suin, Balajied Kupar Synrem and Synshar Kupar Roy – have increased the BJP’s tally to ten seats, second only to the National People’s Party’s 33 seats in the Meghalaya government.
The UDP’s legislative strength has fallen from twelve members to four as a result of the switch. Both the UDP and the BJP remain allies of the NPP‑led coalition that governs the state.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma downplayed any impact on the coalition, stating that the change is a matter between two parties and does not affect the overall functioning or strength of the government.
Union Minister Rijiju described the move as a “defining moment” for Meghalaya and the northeast, saying the eight MLAs were “extremely impressed and influenced by Prime Minister Modi and our BJP‑led NDA government’s performance.”