The United Democratic Party (UDP), a constituent of Meghalaya's ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-II), on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, formally resolved to withdraw its support to the Conrad K. Sangma-led state government, ending a nearly three-year coalition partnership. The decision, taken unanimously at a meeting of the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC), follows a dramatic mass exodus of 11 of the party's 12 MLAs since the 2023 Assembly elections.

How the Collapse Unfolded

The immediate trigger was the resignation of UDP president and lone remaining legislator Metbah Lyngdoh from the state Cabinet on the preceding Saturday. UDP General Secretary Titosstarwell Chyne confirmed that Lyngdoh informed the CEC about his ministerial departure during Tuesday's meeting. 'The president has informed the CEC that he has resigned as Cabinet Minister and submitted his resignation to the Chief Minister on Saturday,' Chyne told reporters.

Chyne maintained that Lyngdoh's resignation was voluntary and was not prompted by any external pressure. The committee subsequently urged Lyngdoh to formalise the UDP's withdrawal of support to the government.

The Mass Exodus Behind the Decision

The UDP's unravelling began well before Tuesday's resolution. Of the 12 legislators the party held after the 2023 Meghalaya Assembly elections, eight MLAs merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in September, a move the Assembly Speaker formally recognised on 16 October. Shortly after, three of the remaining UDP legislators — Paul Lyngdoh, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, and Nujorki Sungoh — merged with the ruling National People's Party (NPP), leaving Metbah Lyngdoh as the party's sole MLA.

This is a striking reversal of fortunes for a party that, just over two years ago, held 12 seats and a meaningful presence in a coalition government.

Impact on Government Stability

Despite the symbolic weight of the withdrawal, the UDP's exit is unlikely to destabilise the Conrad Sangma government in numerical terms. The NPP's strength in the 60-member Assembly has risen to 36 seats, bolstered by the absorption of former UDP legislators, while the BJP holds 10 seats. The ruling coalition thus retains a comfortable majority without the UDP's solitary vote.

UDP's Stated Path Forward

Chyne said the party would now focus on rebuilding its organisational structure, particularly in constituencies where it no longer holds elected representation. He added that operating outside the government would allow the UDP to independently raise public concerns and hold the ruling alliance accountable on issues affecting the people of Meghalaya. The statement signals an attempt to recast the party's identity as a constructive opposition force rather than a coalition partner.

How effectively the UDP can reconstitute itself after losing 11 of its 12 legislators in the space of months will be the defining question for the party's future in Meghalaya politics.