SHILLONG, Nov 28: In a setback to the United Democratic Party (UDP), four-time MLA of Baghmara Samuel M Sangma on Monday withdrew support and resigned as associate member of the UDP.

The Independent MLA submitted his letter to UDP chief and Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh. He was accompanied by BJP leader and former cabinet minister AL Hek.

Samuel joined the UDP as associate member on September 16, 2018. He is likely to join the BJP.

Earlier, there were rumours about him resigning as MLA. Samuel however said he is yet to resign as MLA but only as an associate member of the UDP.

He said he would soon join the BJP ahead of 2023 polls.