Trinamool may lose legislators in Meghalaya prior to election

4 of the party’s 12 MLAs could shift to UDP, NPP

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Six months after 12 Congress MLAs, led by former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, defected to Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Meghalaya, the party is set to lose some of the legislators.

At least four MLAs of the party are believed to be in talks with the leaders of two parties in the ruling alliance in the State. There are speculations that two each MLAs may join the National People’s Party (NPP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP).

While the NPP has said “it is not unusual for MLAs or senior leaders to switch parties ahead of Assembly polls”, the UDP chose to be diplomatic about the development.

“Leaders of different political parties have approached us but decisions will be taken after the State election committee meets,” UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said.

State TMC president and MLA Charles Pyngrope said he was unaware of two of his colleagues – Himalaya Shangpliang and Shitlang Pale – are quitting. “They are yet to inform me about their plans to leave party,” he said.

He also said he “heard” about the UDP trying to lure him too. “None of the UDP leaders has approached me with any offer,” he added.