SHILLONG: The Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders’ Forum on Thursday criticised eight United Democratic Party (UDP) MLAs for joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a day after the legislators switched parties at a programme in New Delhi.

The forum expressed concern over the decision of the legislators to leave the UDP and join the BJP, saying the move raised questions about their political commitment and the mandate they had received from voters.

The eight MLAs joined the BJP in the presence of senior party leaders in New Delhi on Wednesday. Their move has triggered political reactions in Meghalaya, with the development coming ahead of the next Assembly election.

The Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders’ Forum said elected representatives should remain accountable to the people who voted for them and maintain transparency in their political decisions. The development is expected to have a bearing on Meghalaya’s political landscape, as the BJP seeks to strengthen its organisational presence in the state.