In a major political move, an ‘Operation Lotus’ is reportedly brewing in Meghalaya with speculations that 13 sitting MLAs, including nine from the UDP and four from Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, are ready to join the saffron party.
At present, the ruling National People's Party (NPP) led by Conrad Sangma has 33 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly. Its ruling ally United Democratic Party (UDP) led by party president Metbah Lyngdoh has 12 MLAs. The BJP, which is also an ally of the ruling coalition, has 2 MLAs. Another ally is the Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP). Two Independents also support the ruling coalition.
State BJP leaders have confirmed that discussions are underway at the central level. BJP MLA Alexander Laloo Hek recently claimed that several sitting MLAs were planning to join the BJP and some of them have recently met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The tensions within the ruling coalition emerged after the September 2025 Cabinet reshuffle during which Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh was replaced by party president Metbah Lyngdoh. This sparked speculation about factionalism within the party, which reportedly led to the split.
UDP sources did not rule out the possibility of such a move. A senior leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told local media that he doesn’t want to confirm or deny it.
“If the party is going to split, it will happen. If they have enough numbers to avoid the anti-defection law, no one can stop them." Paul Lyngdoh had previously acknowledged the rumours but said he lacked sufficient information.
However, other UDP sources stated that the discussions primarily focused on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and other issues related to Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, analysts say that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma is unlikely to make any changes to the Cabinet, even if the split happens, as both are coalition parties.
But the UDP MLAs will have a lot of hurdles if they plan on joining the BJP. The UDP is known to be extremely vocal on local issues, including their demand for an Inner Line Permit in Meghalaya, which is in complete contrast with the BJP.
