The development marks a major reversal for the UDP, which won 12 seats in the 2023 assembly elections and emerged as a significant regional force. Paul Lyngdoh was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar at Lok Bhavan in Shillong. Paul Lyngdoh will rejoin the Meghalaya cabinet after moving from the UDP to the NPP. His return follows a wider realignment involving 11 former UDP legislators.