{
  "id": 6918626,
  "title": "Mawthoh joins BJP; eight UDP MLAs may follow in Meghalaya",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/mawthoh-joins-bjp-eight-udp-mlas-may-follow-in-meghalaya",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T12:04:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/meghalaya/mawthoh-joins-bjp-eight-udp-mlas-may-follow-in-meghalaya/article71459762.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Meghalaya MLA Jemino Mawthoh, a United Democratic Party (UDP) leader, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, sparking speculation that up to eight UDP MLAs might follow suit. This development could potentially allow the BJP to become the second-largest party in the Meghalaya Assembly. Mawthoh, who left the UDP in May, announced his switch in Shillong. The news of Mawthoh's move comes as six UDP MLAs skipped the Central Executive Committee meeting in Shillong on Friday, September 11, 2026, while three others reportedly discussed the possibility of joining the BJP. UDP leadership, however, insists that their legislators remain united. The UDP and BJP are both part of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government, which is led by the National People's Party (NPP). The NPP holds 33 MLAs, exceeding the simple majority mark in the 60-member Assembly, while the UDP has 12 and the BJP two. If eight UDP legislators were to join the BJP, the BJP's seat count would rise to 10, making it the second-largest party in the House. Three UDP lawmakers—Cabinet Minister Lakhmen Rymbui, Balajied Kupar Synrem, and Ollan Sing Suin—told party insiders that their decision to switch parties was based on their constituencies' best interests and the state's welfare. However, they claimed no discord with UDP leadership. Senior BJP MLA Alexander Laloo Hek did not disclose the exact number of UDP legislators who may switch parties, but hinted at the BJP's desire for additional seats.",
  "summary": "Possible switch of eight legislators will take BJP’s strrength to 10 in 60-members State Assembly, making it second-largest party",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}