SHILLONG — United Democratic Party president Metbah Lyngdoh resigned as Meghalaya Minister on October 31, 2026, following the defection of 11 of 12 party MLAs to the BJP and the National People's Party.
Lyngdoh submitted his resignation letter to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma after assessing the prevailing political situation and recent developments within the party. In a statement, Lyngdoh denied that he was forced to step down, maintaining that the decision was voluntary.
The defections began in September when eight UDP MLAs merged with the BJP, followed by three more aligning with the NPP — the Chief Minister's party — earlier this month. The Speaker recognized both mergers, reducing the UDP's strength in the 60-member Assembly from 12 to one.
Both the BJP and UDP are constituents of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance. The political upheaval leaves the UDP with a single legislator as the NPP and BJP together account for 46 of 60 Assembly seats.
Metbah Lyngdoh held the portfolios of power, textiles, water resources and taxation. Chief Minister Sangma had reportedly set a deadline for Lyngdoh's removal, with sources indicating the CM questioned how the party could justify Cabinet representation with its strength reduced from 12 MLAs to one, while other coalition partners retained at least two legislators.
Lyngdoh was allegedly advised to resign voluntarily rather than face the embarrassment of being dropped. On his part, Metbah made it clear that no one had asked him to resign from the Cabinet, asserting that his decision to step down was entirely voluntary.
The resignation creates vacancies in four key ministries — Power, Water Resources, Taxation and Textiles — that now require redistribution. Notably, Paul Lyngdoh, who lost his cabinet berth in a September 2025 reshuffle when Metbah Lyngdoh and Lahkmen Rymbui replaced him as the party's representatives in the state cabinet, is set to return to the ministry. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for later on Monday.
The four departments previously held by Metbah Lyngdoh now require redistribution. Power and Water Resources carry particular weight for infrastructure, electricity supply and water management. The Chief Minister could allocate the responsibilities among existing ministers or use the opening for a wider restructuring of the Council of Ministers.
The political realignment has altered the numbers within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance. Eight former UDP legislators have joined the BJP, taking its strength to 10, while the three who moved to the NPP have raised that party's tally to 36. Together the NPP and BJP now account for 46 members in the 60-member Assembly.
Reported differences between Paul and Metbah during their time in the UDP have added a layer of political interest to the speculation. There has been no official confirmation, however, that Paul is being considered for induction or that any decision has been taken.
Whether the latest changes will be reflected in the Cabinet's composition remains open. The immediate questions centre on how the four portfolios will be allocated and whether the vacancy will lead to fresh inductions within the MDA. The answer is likely to be clear this week.
Metbah Lyngdoh resigned only as Cabinet Minister and that the UDP is still supporting the MDA-II government.
