Meghalaya BJP leader and state Minister Sanbor Shullai has neither confirmed nor denied reports that nine MLAs of the regional United Democratic Party (UDP) are considering defecting to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying the political picture would become clearer with time. The remarks, made in Shillong on 31 August, signal that the saffron party is actively courting legislators across party lines ahead of Meghalaya's next Assembly elections.

What Shullai Said

Responding to questions about the reported move, Shullai struck a measured but welcoming tone. 'We have tried our best to talk and make people understand. I have hope and time will tell,' he said. He stopped short of confirming any formal negotiations or decisions, but made the BJP's posture unmistakable.

'Our doors are open 24 hours for MLAs, MDCs, leaders of different political parties, volunteers, social organisation leaders and members of the public,' Shullai said, underscoring that the outreach extended well beyond the UDP alone.

Broader Political Outreach

Shullai confirmed that the BJP was in active discussions with leaders from multiple parties, though he declined to name individuals or reveal the stage of those talks. 'We are talking to other parties as well. Whenever we meet, sit together or speak over the phone, we have started discussions with many people. We will continue to talk and make people understand,' he said.

Notably, this comes amid a pattern of the BJP consolidating its footprint in the Northeast — a region where it has steadily expanded through alliances and defections over the past decade. Meghalaya, where the BJP is not in power, represents an opportunity the party has been working to exploit.

BJP's Growing Ground Presence

Shullai also claimed that the party's support base was expanding across the state, pointing specifically to areas including Mawlai and his own Laban constituency. He attributed this growth to what he described as increasing receptiveness among people from different communities, driven by the BJP's focus on development and welfare for poorer sections and unemployed youth.

'If you are with the BJP, there are many benefits when it comes to development and helping the poor and unemployed youth,' Shullai said.

Implications for Meghalaya Politics

The UDP is a significant regional force in Meghalaya, and any defection of nine MLAs — if it materialises — would substantially redraw the state's political equations. The ruling coalition in Meghalaya has historically relied on a patchwork of regional parties, making such a shift potentially consequential for both the government's stability and the BJP's electoral prospects.

As of now, no formal announcement has been made by either the UDP or the BJP, and the reported switch remains unconfirmed. Political observers will be watching closely for any movement in the weeks ahead.