Shillong: Meghalaya legislative assembly speaker Thomas A Sangma has recognised the merger of eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs with BJP.An official notification issued on Oct 16 said the merger had been recognised under Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution.The eight former UDP legislators are Lahkmen Rymbui, Pius Marwein, Kyrmen Shylla, Mayralborn Syiem, Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah, Ollan Singh Suin, Balajied Kupar Synrem and Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah.Speaker Sangma also dismissed a disqualification petition filed by UDP against the eight legislators.Following the merger, BJP’s strength in the 60-member assembly has increased from two to 10, making it the second-largest party in the House. UDP’s strength has declined from 12 to four.
