Shillong: United Democratic Party (UDP) and People’s Democratic Front (PDF) have announced their support for the NPP-BJP alliance in Meghalaya. The UDP’s declaration of support for the NPP-BJP alliance comes amid rumors that the UDP, Congress and Trinamool Congress parties are in talks to form the government together in Meghalaya. With this, the number of MLAs supporting caretaker Chief Minister and NPP leader Conrad Sangma has increased to 45.
The governor had invited Conrad Sangma to form the government. Elections were held for 59 seats in the 60-member assembly. NPP has 26 seats; BJP has both. Sangma met the Governor and informed that the HSPDP has the support of 32 people including 2 MLAs and independents. It was announced that the swearing-in ceremony will take place on Tuesday. News of UDP-led government formation emerged when the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), which has two MLAs, announced that it would withdraw its support to Sangma.
A joint meeting of 6 parties including Trinamool, UDP, Congress and HSPDP under the leadership of former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma discussed the formation of the government. UDP President Methba Lyngdoh said that it has the support of 31 MLAs. UDP has 11 MLAs. 5 each for Congress and Trinamool. PDF has two MLAs. But the UDP and PDF had written to Conrad Sangma on Sunday that they would support the formation of the government. HSPDP also provided support.
English Summary: Meghalaya: Strength of NPP alliance rises to 45 as regional outfits UDP, PDF pledge support