8 of Meghalaya's 12 United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs are joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raising the BJP's strength in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly from 2 to 10.

The legislators were led by Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla. They met BJP leadership, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and received assurances on coal mining and the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Constitution's Eighth Schedule.

What was announced in Delhi

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP leader Sambit Patra addressed a press conference in Delhi on 23 September 2026. Rijiju welcomed the 8 elected Meghalaya MLAs into the BJP and said they had previously belonged to the UDP, described as a prominent regional party.

Rijiju said the legislators were influenced by the progress and changes in the Northeast and Meghalaya over the past 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He also referred to Modi's connection with people in the Northeast and the BJP's development-focused politics in the region.

Former MLA and UDP leader Dr Jemino Mawthoh joined the BJP on 12 September. The report identifies the 8 MLAs as the latest UDP legislators moving into the BJP.

Meghalaya Assembly numbers

Before the switch, the BJP had 2 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly. With the addition of 8 UDP legislators, its strength is now 10.

The issues mentioned in connection with the legislators' meeting with BJP leadership were coal mining and the proposed inclusion of Khasi in the Constitution's Eighth Schedule. The report does not provide further details of the assurances.

Conclusion

The move takes the BJP's Meghalaya Assembly strength to 10 after 8 of the UDP's 12 MLAs joined the party. The legislators' stated concerns include coal mining and Khasi language recognition in the Constitution's Eighth Schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many UDP MLAs are joining the BJP in Meghalaya?

8 of the UDP's 12 MLAs are joining the BJP.

Q. How many MLAs will the BJP have in Meghalaya?

The BJP's strength rises from 2 to 10 in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly.

Q. Who led the Meghalaya legislators?

Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla led the legislators.

Q. Which issues were discussed with BJP leadership?

Coal mining and the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Constitution's Eighth Schedule were among the issues mentioned.

Q. When did Dr Jemino Mawthoh join the BJP?

Former MLA and UDP leader Dr Jemino Mawthoh joined the BJP on 12 September.

Q. Where was the announcement made?

Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sambit Patra announced the development at a press conference in Delhi on 23 September 2026.