Shillong, Oct 6: Putting an end to speculations of instability in the ruling coalition, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in a video message has asserted that the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance 2 (MDA 2) is “very very stable” and the coalition remains intact.
CM Sangma clarified that whatever political changes took place was strictly between two political parties who are already part of the MDA 2 coalition.
Eight United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators including Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui had joined the BJP in New Delhi on September 23, raising the BJP’s strength in the 60-member Assembly from 2 to 10 and making it the second largest party after the NPP. The UDP’s strength has fallen from 12 to 4.
The Chief Minister stated that the overall numerical strength of the MDA coalition remains unchanged as the MLAs have merely moved from one constituent of the MDA to another constituent of the MDA itself.
“It will not disturb the functioning of the government in any manner. We have a simple majority in the House,” Sangma had said earlier, reiterating the same stand in the video message.
In a crucial clarification, the Chief Minister said there has been no discussion to induct anyone among the 8 UDP legislators who have joined the BJP as ministers.
He also ruled out any immediate cabinet reshuffle, stating that the BJP has not sought additional berths in his cabinet.
The CM acknowledged that there may be some concerns between the UDP and BJP over the move, but maintained that those are matters to be settled between the two parties themselves and have nothing to do with the NPP.
The MDA 2 government continues to function with unity and stability till 2028, he said.
