Shillong: Deputy CM Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Saturday that all 33 National People’s Party (NPP) MLAs remained united and the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) govt was stable, dismissing reports that some legislators planned to join BJP.Dhar was speaking after eight UDP MLAs joined BJP in Delhi on Wednesday, taking the party’s strength in the 60-member Meghalaya assembly from two to 10 and making it the second-largest party in the house.“I would like to put it on record that NPP remains united and firmly committed to the people of Meghalaya. The reports suggesting that NPP legislators are planning to join BJP are baseless. Our 33 NPP MLAs remain together, and the MDA govt continues to function with unity and stability,” the deputy CM said.Dhar denied reports that 22 NPP legislators were camping in Delhi for alleged merger talks with BJP. He said his recent visit to the national capital with CM Conrad K Sangma and deputy CM Prestone Tynsong was for “official work” and to “follow up” on matters related to Meghalaya’s development.“We will continue working together under the leadership of CM Sangma with commitment and sincerity,” said Dhar, who represents Nartiang assembly constituency in West Jaintia Hills district.Meanwhile, HSPDP minister Methodius Dkhar said there was no threat to the NPP-led MDA govt.Dkhar, who holds the food, civil supplies and consumer affairs portfolio and represents Mawshynrut assembly constituency, dismissed speculation about instability in the ruling coalition after eight of the 12 UDP MLAs joined BJP.
