BJP's growing strength in Meghalaya, demand for one more cabinet berth

The political corridors of Meghalaya are witnessing a shift in power equations following the growing numerical strength of the BJP. With the number of BJP MLAs in the state reaching 10, the party has now started exerting pressure to increase its participation in the state government. According to an Amar Ujala report, the BJP has officially demanded one more ministerial berth in the state cabinet from Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. The party firmly believes that as the second-largest party in the coalition, it should receive adequate representation in the cabinet.

State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai, while providing information on this on Wednesday, stated that all BJP MLAs will soon meet Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and present their demand. BJP leaders say that since their position in the coalition has strengthened, it must be reflected in the cabinet as well. Currently, there are two BJP ministers serving in the Meghalaya government, one of whom was previously in the United Democratic Party (UDP) and subsequently joined the BJP.

The main reason behind this political shift is the events that unfolded in September. At that time, 8 out of 12 UDP MLAs joined the BJP, which increased the BJP's strength from 2 to 10. Following this sequence of events, 3 out of the remaining 4 UDP MLAs joined the National People's Party (NPP) last month. One of these MLAs was also sworn in as a minister on Monday. Minister Sanbor Shullai clarified that they have no objection to an NPP MLA being made a minister, but the BJP should not be ignored.

Shullai further stated that since the year 2023, the BJP has consistently stood firmly with the NPP. Even at that time, when other political parties were trying to form a government without the BJP, the BJP did not abandon the NPP. He emphasized that BJP MLAs, who supported the coalition during difficult times, should now get their rightful place in the cabinet. He alleged that before the recent cabinet reshuffle and allocation of portfolios, the NPP did not hold any discussions with their ally, the BJP. A feeling prevails within the party that the BJP was ignored in this entire process.

Regarding this matter, BJP MLAs met with the party's Northeast co-in-charge Rajiv Babbar on Wednesday. In this meeting, the party's displeasure regarding the current political situation in the state, the cabinet reshuffle, and the allocation of portfolios was expressed. Shullai stated that the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government has been receiving continuous support from the BJP's central leadership, but despite this, not giving importance to BJP MLAs is not a good sign for the coalition. Now, this entire matter will be discussed with the BJP's central leadership in Delhi, and only then will the next decision be taken.

The BJP has been an important part of this coalition government. With the increase in the BJP's strength in Meghalaya, a demand for a change in power equations has now arisen, which has become a topic of discussion in the state's political circles.