Northeast India

Meghalaya’s political landscape has witnessed a significant development after two-thirds of the United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). An official order issued by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretariat on October 16, 2026, records the merger, bringing fresh attention to the state’s coalition politics, party strength and the changing relationship between regional parties and national political organisations.

The Union government has announced a major multi-agency crackdown against an alleged international drug-trafficking network operating across India’s northeastern region. Named Operation Trident, the operation was conducted on October 23, 2026, with 38 teams targeting 38 locations across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ October 25 PIB announcement, 18 people were arrested, 1,424 bank accounts were frozen and properties worth ₹17.82 crore were attached.