Shillong, Sep 1 (IANS) Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) State President Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday dismissed speculation that the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government could face instability following reports that nine United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that the NPP has sufficient numbers to sustain the government on its own.
Tynsong said the reports about the alleged move by UDP legislators had surfaced only through media reports and had not been raised as an issue within the MDA alliance.
“I have seen it only in newspapers. We have regular MDA meetings and whenever there are issues related to constituencies, we are open to discussing them,” Tynsong said.
He added that alliance partners regularly communicate with the leadership, including himself, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, whenever concerns arise.
“All partners speak to me, to the Chief Minister or to Sniawbhalang Dhar and we resolve it. I do not see any problem,” he said.
Tynsong suggested that the speculation surrounding the UDP could be linked to internal differences within the party rather than any development that could threaten the MDA government.
“It could be due to internal issues, internal fighting within the UDP,” he said.
Responding to questions on whether a possible movement of UDP MLAs towards the BJP could impact the NPP-led government, Tynsong said the ruling party’s numbers were strong enough to ensure stability.
“Our strength alone is 33. We need 30-31 to form the government, so we have already crossed that mark,” he added.
The NPP leader also made it clear that his party would not interfere in the internal affairs of the UDP or other political parties.
“We have nothing to say or comment on this as it is their internal and personal understanding,” Tynsong said.
He added that the MDA government remained stable and would continue to function normally despite the political speculation.
“The government is strong, stable and will complete its full term till 2028 and beyond,” he said.
The latest developments come amid growing political speculation in Meghalaya over the reported possibility of a section of UDP legislators shifting allegiance to the BJP.
The UDP is a key constituent of the MDA government, while the BJP is also part of the ruling alliance.
However, Tynsong’s remarks sought to downplay the potential political impact of the reported realignment, stressing that the NPP’s existing strength was sufficient to keep the state government secure.
–IANS
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