Shillong, April 13: The political scene of Meghalaya is once again lively with growing speculation that the two legislators of People’s Democratic Front (PDF) may soon join the ruling National People’s Party (NPP). But there is another topic doing the rounds albeit more softly, which is on reshuffling of the cabinet right after the upcoming Sohiong polls.
Sources suggest that one minister from the United Democratic Party (UDP) will be dropped, and one of the newly merged MLA from the PDF will take over that seat. Meanwhile, the other PDF legislator is expected to be appointed as an Advisor to the CM or as a chairman. This would be a significant change in the political landscape, as it would allow the NPP to strengthen its hold over the region.
It is worth noting that the UDP was a late entrant in the MDA-II after the NPP-led coalition had staked claim to form the government. Even so, it was given two ministerial positions, with Kyrmen Shylla serving as the Minister of Excise, and Paul Lyngdoh serving as the Minister of Tourism as well as being appointed as the official spokesperson of the government.
If these political developments come to pass, it is likely that the UDP will suffer severe consequences. They would be losing one of their key positions of power, and it would be a major blow to their political influence in the region. At the same time, the NPP’s numbers and position would be bolstered, which could have significant implications for the political future of the state.
In addition, the merger of PDF MLAs with the NPP could also have significant implications for the NPP’s footprint in the state of Meghalaya, particularly in the Khasi Hills region, with the PDF having significant hold over the rural population. The NPP has been making efforts to increase its political influence in the region, and the addition of two PDF MLAs to its ranks would certainly be a major boost in that regard.
At the same time, the NPP would be able to consolidate its hold over the state government even further and complete the 5-year term in office without any major worry. It is to be recalled here that Conrad K. Sangma staked claim of government with 26 NPP MLAs, 2 BJP MLAs, 2 MLAs of HSPDP and 2 independent MLAs, making it a total of 34 MLAs; although presently he also enjoys support of 11 UDP MLAs and 2 PDF MLAs, with a combined strength on 47 MLAs.
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If PDF MLAs do eventually join NPP, the home-grown national party’s strength would rise to 28, and would be dent any chance of opposition and other parties to form alternate government.
However, all this is just speculation at this point in time although the PDF leadership has acknowledged that talks are underway in this regard and the speculations may turn into reality. Further, it remains to be seen how the UDP will respond to these developments.
