One key NPP leader joins BJP ::::: Why Conrad Sangma is going the Neiphiu Rio way ?? :::: Numbers count .... :::: The real fable is "Hamam mein sab ..... taking bath" ::: All eyes on 2028 ... will BJP unseat Rio and Conrad ???

In an interesting development, Kitborlang Giri Jarain, the North Shillong President of the National People's Youth Front (NPYF), resigned from the Conrad Sangma-led NPP citing personal reasons and joined the BJP in Meghalaya on October 22, 2026. 

He was formally inducted in Shillong by state BJP chief spokesman Mariahom Kharkrang. This transition aligns with broader political shifts in the state, such as UDP MLAs merging with the BJP amid changing dynamics within the ruling MDA coalition.

Three United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators — Paul Lyngdoh, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Nujorki Sungoh have submitted their merger application to Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, seeking to join the Meghalaya's ruling party National People’s Party (NPP). 

The move reduces the UDP’s strength in the 60-member House to a single MLA.  This regional outfit (UDP) had won as many as 12 seats in 2023 and  is now left with a sole member. 

Eight MLAs earlier joined BJP. For Meghalaya chief minister and NPP boss, Conrad Sangma - this defection game has a minor twist in the tale. 

Conrad --- taking 'key political lessons' from Naga CM Rio 

In Nagaland -- all his five MLAs - were encouraged by his dad's friend Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to embrace NPF. 

Subject to formal recognition by the Speaker, the NPP’s strength in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly would rise to 36.  

The UDP on Monday expelled the three legislators just hours before they submitted their merger letter to the Assembly Speaker.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the UDP State Parliamentary Board at the party office on Monday afternoon. In a letter addressed to the three, party president Metbah Lyngdoh said their decision to join the NPP was evident from local news reports.

Phek district : Rural Nagaland 

The National People's Party (NPP) and the BJP fought fiercely against each other in 2023 Meghalaya polls. The Lotus party even labelled 'corruption charges' against the Conrad Sangma-government. In fact, the alliance started in 2018.

The BJP won only two seats in both 2018 and 2023 polls. The saffron party maintains that it continues to "share alliance" with NPP in ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government led by Conrad Sangma.

Even as both the parties maintain that their coalition is intact; there are chance the BJP will try to topple Conrad before 2028 March assembly elections.  

In Nagaland, the BJP favours giving free hand to the Rio-led NPF even as the utmost desire for an early solution to the Naga insurgency still remains a far cry. 

Lately, former Nagaland chief minister S C Jamir met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and complained about non-performance of the Rio-led NPF-BJP dispensation.  The episode created ripples in Nagaland politics. 

In 2018 as well as in 2023; the BJP settled to contest only 20 seats and left 40 for the NDPP - which was headed by Rio. 

In 2025, in a dramatic turn of events - Rio-led NDPP merged with the NPF - which had only 2 (two) legislators. Subsequently, Rio took over as the NPF president.

In July this year, even a small party named the Rising People's Party (RPP), which showed lot of promise by exposing Rio regime's failures, has merged with the NPF.

There is no opposition in the Nagaland legislature as Rio heads a 'so-called' opposition-less dispensation. 

Even Congress, which could have tried to take on the Rio regime, generally takes up softer issues and at times even Rio-friendly matters for public consumption. 

This image reflects 'apathy and underdevelopment' story of Eastern Nagaland

Prominent local eastern Nagaland leader Nyamnyei Konyak, who was president of NPP in Nagaland, also joined NPF earlier October. 

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