Senior BJP leader and Pynthorumkhrah MLA A.L. Hek affirmed that the allocation of cabinet portfolios remains the sole prerogative of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and must be respected by all political actors. Responding to reports suggesting that eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs were considering joining the BJP, Hek clarified that he has no information regarding any internal discussions about cabinet berth distribution or the creation of a Deputy Chief Minister post, noting that leadership matters are ultimately decided by the party’s central leadership. However, Hek acknowledged that the key concerns reportedly raised by the legislators—including the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), and the official inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution—represent genuine public issues that would need to be pursued vigorously with the Central Government should the UDP MLAs formally integrate into the BJP fold.